Round-the-world rower tests boat
Round-the-world rower tests boat
2008-10-03Newsfeed
A would-be round-the-world rower is to begin sea trials of a state-of-the-art new boat before launching himself into the unknown.
A would-be round-the-world rower is to begin sea trials of a state-of-the-art new boat before launching himself into the unknown.
Oliver Hicks, 26, will also carry out crucial stability tests aboard the 24ft craft before setting out on his 15,000-mile, two-year Virgin Global Row voyage.
He will be bidding to become the first person to row solo around the world in the one-off boat made from fibreglass, foam and Kevlar at the Rowsell and Adkins yard in Exmouth.
A spokesman said they hope to begin the record-breaking voyage from New Zealand early in December. It will follow the line of 50 degrees south latitude and take in some of the world's most dangerous oceans.
Mr Hicks became the youngest person to row an ocean solo when he went from the US to Falmouth, Cornwall, in October 2005.
On the Southern Ocean voyage he plans to make landfall at South Georgia to resupply and "overwinter" for four to five months, a move which will minimise the risk of his craft's superstructure icing up.
During the voyage he will take daily meteorological readings to send back to his shore team, who will make them available to any interested bodies or scientists.
Copyright © The Press Association 2008
