Far Row West will take them on one of the toughest sea crossings in the world 3,140 nm from Geraldton, Australia to Port Louis, Mauritius. The world record stands at 57 days 15 hours and 45 minutes set in 2013 by a three-man crew. The four-man crew of Far Row West, with an average age of just 22, would also be the youngest to ever make the crossing.
The vessel for the voyage is the Tiny Dancer, which is just 29 ft long by 6 ft wide, and was built for the Atlantic Polo Team who won the 2013 Talisker Whisky Challenge.
“At midnight local time today we get towed round the Exmouth Peninsula to put us ocean side. The tow will take 6 or 7 hours,” said skipper Jamie Sparks.
“Once we hit the beach we get off our tow boat and onto our row boat, Tiny Dancer, say goodbye to our weather router/strategist Tony Humphries, and off we go. The forecast is good and we’re all just itching to get underway. A big thank you to our Australian hosts and customs.”
Among those supporting the Far Row West is Singapore-headquartered shipowner Masterbulk.
“It's great to see there is still the spirit of adventure on the high seas. A Fast Row West should be applauded for their ambitious and brave attempt to break the world record for the fastest row across the Indian Ocean,” said Nick Fisher ceo of Masterbulk said.
“Masterbulk is proud to be able to support the boys on this venture. We wish them good luck, a safe passage, and fair winds and following seas."
If you want to follow their progress please visit http://www.fastrowwest.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/afastrowwest