IN search of a personal goal to row solo across the Atlantic and to raise 1 million Rand for the Sowetto Connection, Limerick man Sean McGowan has faced a week of problems and he hasn’t even hit the water yet.
The problems, in this case, are completely out of his hands as the 2,500 nautical mile Woodvale Atlantic Rowing Challenge has been delayed twice due to bad weather hitting the competitors passage West.
Sean and the other solo and team rowers have now had the race postponed until December 29 next, where they will begin from their Canary Island’s base and head west to the South American coast.
Sean has noted the difficulties of late and said, “It’s very difficult to keep focused at the moment.”
However, the delay has given a little silver lining as Sean was only too happy to return home as it now means he can spend Christmas with family, friends and well wishers.
“At least I get to spend Christmas at home with the family and kids.”
Sean’s challenge was due to start last week after an initial delay but that was called off as the winds and weather patterns forced the organisers to rethink their position on letting the competitors out into the open seas.
Sean notes that the interest in his challenge is growing as additional schools have signed up to support his solo efforts.
“The fund stands at over €5,000 now and we are slowly but surely getting there – I just need to get out on the water now.”
Sean will return to La Gomera in the Canaries on Stephen’s Day and prepare for departure three days later and embark upon his solo crossing of the Atlantic in a one-and-a-half tonne rowing boat in aid of charity.
Follow Sean’s progress online at the Limerick Post website www.limerickpost.ie and at www.atlantic09.com.
