By Wayne Aleshire, President OWRC Board of Directors
My home on the Central Coast provided me with a front-row-seat to observe the launch of the World's Toughest Row from Monterey, California to the Island of Kauai. The rowers––14 teams that are doubles, trios, fours or fives––travel by human power a distance of 3,000 nautical miles. Each rowing crew must carry all of their food supplies without any outside assistance. Any assistance provided will disqualify the entire crew. A solar powered water desalination unit supplies water.
It sounds mission impossible to many of us, but it “only” takes a year to prepare for this rowing journey. As a retired US Navy Captain, this challenge grabbed my interest and I quickly jumped in to observe the preparations and training for this epic event.
Now, why do we care at OWRC? Because we will be a part of next year’s challenge. Sort of. Three members of the Open Water Rowing Center are in the process of preparing to row the 2024 World's Toughest Row - Pacific Challenge. Wow, right?
Hunter Deuel is affiliated with the Horizon Racing USA Team. Hunter and Hannah, her fellow teammate from Horizon Racing USA were in attendance to watch and learn from the loading and final preparations for the 30-45 day rowing voyage. In Monterey, I met with Hunter and Hannah and it was a truly inspirational meeting.
Thiago Silva and Connor Jones, who are also members of OWRC, are beginning the process to gather a crew and team as well.
The day before the departure was all about loading and organizing, testing and finalizing the inspections by the Race Organizers to ensure the boats and crews were in compliance with the rules from the safety representatives.
On June 12, 2023, departure day, I arrived early to get a good picture of how the various personalities of the crews were behaving in their final minutes on land before embarking on a journey that could be as long as 45 days at sea.
In short order, I was consumed by the emotions of the people sending off their loved ones. Mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, and friends were all a part of the send off. The training, mental preparations, physical fitness, and the thought of a human-powered vessel traveling nearly 3,000 nautical miles were becoming apparent in the faces of everyone in attendance. I admire their courage and determination to begin such a massive journey.
The commitment by each crew member and their dedication to prepare as a team for more than 30 days at sea is impressive. Four people from different livelihoods must live together in extreme conditions in a space smaller than my bathroom–about 75 square feet! Illnesses may be present, crew must ration water and food while physically exhausted, boat repairs must be made, and the occasional difference of opinions are bound to arise. Conflict resolution will be difficult. Let’s just say there’s no corner for a time out.
At 7am, an airhorn erupted and the boats were off. In a matter of minutes all 14 boats were on their way. With that the crowd watched the boats get smaller in the distance, all were silent.