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Due to bad weather and the onset of the oncoming
Atlantic hurricane season, I have been forced to abandon my current
attempt until after the hurricane season in October.
My attempt to cross the Atlantic started on the 11th of April.
Due to a stormy weather on the 12th and 13th, I was pushed further
North than expected, setting me back by a week in my budgeted time to
clear the Canary Islands.
It also meant, I was an additional week into the Atlantic hurricane
season, potentially finishing the crossing head on into a hurricane.
My concern was not bad weather at sea, but bad weather at landfall,
possibly resulting in a rescue at sea, loosing the boat, equipment and
another chance at a future attempt.
From the outset, the Atlantic hurricane season, which officially
starts on the 1st of June, had been the main source of time pressure.
The prevailing weather conditions at the time of the crossing are one
of the largest influencing factors and the right timing is critical to
attempting an ocean crossing.
Given the anticipation of sponsors, supporters and press, my decision
to turn back to La Gomera, just 4 days into the crossing was a
difficult one. Difficult decisions, however, are a privilege of rank.
I took it at sea after discussions with Rune Larsson and the Ocean
Rowing Society in London via satellite phone after sharing my time
concerns with them.
At stake is personal credibility, life, the investment by the sponsors
and the support of those individuals who have contributed their time
and energy in making this attempt possible. The outcome of the past
few days have been disappointing and frustrating. However, such is the
nature of the sport.
Rowing across open oceans has its risks. A professional and
responsible approach to any such endurance sport calls for risk
management and not risk taking.
As the project director, my responsibilities are to:
a. minimise the risk to life from bad weather and equipment failure ;
b. safeguard the investment of the sponsors and supporters;
c. ensure all the conditions are met to ensure a successful attempt
that will give sponsors a greater than proportional return on
investment.
The decision to postpone the crossing till after the Atlantic
hurricane season was based on the following calculations:
Official start of the hurricane season: June 1.
Best case time estimate for the crossing: 60 days
Start: April 15, End: June 15 (2 weeks into the hurricane season)
Worst case time estimate for the crossing: 100 days
Start: April 15, End: July 25 (8 weeks into the hurricane season)
Additional allowance for injury at sea, equipment failure etc: 1 week
Estimated exposure to the hurricane season: 3 - 9 weeks.
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The time between now and October will be used for further training
around the Canary islands. Regular updates from each training sessions
at sea will be posted on the website along with photos and video as
requested by the sponsors, suppliers and press.
Thanks for your support and understanding.
I can be reached on
+34 626 404 815.
The log book of the past attempt can be viewed at:
http://www.humanedgetech.com/expedition/bhavik/
Bhavik
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