Foursome plan to row across Atlantic

By BRIAN CALLAHAN, The Telegram

Today, they’re in St. John’s, their mere presence a vivid, living reminder for their British mates who will attempt to row across the Atlantic Ocean later this week.

The four adventurers — who seek to break the 106-year-old record of 55 days for the fastest crossing in a rowboat — were scheduled to depart today from St. John’s harbour for Falmouth, in Cornwall, England.

But, as is often the case in Newfoundland, the weather’s not co-operating. Thursday’s now the target day.

It provides more time to work on communications and other last-minute details.

“(Today) we’ll be playing around in the harbour … having a row around. It’s the little tiny things that can make a difference.”

Stubbs will skipper the 10-metre-long lightweight Skandia Atlantic Spirit, which will navigate the wild west-east route across the Atlantic.

The route has claimed five lives and includes an encounter with the Grand Banks, whose wicked ways were portrayed in the film The Perfect Storm.

Stubbs’ mates include George Rock, 39, a technician with British Telecom, Robert Munslow, 23, a fitness expert whose employer wouldn’t give him the time off, so he quit, and Nigel Morris, 38, a docker by trade.

The four plan to row non-stop, two on, two off, in two-hour shifts in an effort to break the long-standing record.

“The record is certainly something that inspires you. You’re reaching for the stars,” said Stubbs.

“But you can’t be too focused that you don’t enjoy it. I think it’s a combination of the two.”

The Britons arrived in town one week ago.

Despite the skepticism that has followed similar endeavours in the past, they say little has been heaped upon them.

“I haven’t met many skeptical people, yet,” said Stubbs. “Once they actually find out what we’re doing and how we’re approaching it, it enhances the experience fantastically.

“I’ve not found any negative people at all.”

Then there are those who believe such trips are a waste of taxpayers’ money and put the coast guard unnecessarily at risk when it must come to the rescue.

“Actually, the coast guard has been absolutely fantastic,” said Stubbs. “We’ve been out with them on the water, briefed them. They’re more than happy with what they’ve seen.”

That said, Stubbs understands the concerns, but says most of it stems from a lack of information.

“I can understand it totally. But these are some of the same people who drink and drive and have car accidents, and the fire service has to come and pick them out of it ...

“It’s their opinion and I wouldn’t knock that. I believe it’s all about planning and preparation and, from my perspective, we’re out there to do a professional job, as is the coast guard.”

Stubbs acknowledges the ocean environment is a very dangerous place — for the uninformed and ill-prepared, that is.

“The trouble is, these are the sort of people who’ll never understand why we go and do this. They’re also the sort of people who don’t very often venture outside their front rooms. They spend a lot of time watching the tely, reading newspapers and watching the news and then making an opinion.

“I think if they came down to look at the boat, and the equipment on board, and knew the four years of hard work we’ve put into getting here, they would be more informed and not take that point of view.”

He also extended an open invitation for the skeptics and critics to drop down to the south side of St. John’s harbour to view their boat and discuss the issue.

“You know, life is such a short time and there’s always going to be people working to extremes … at extreme levels.

“I would rather try to inspire people … to say we’re going to do this and this is how we’re achieving it and this is how we want to share it with people.

“I would like to turn (the criticism) around and say, ‘Yeah, OK, the rescue, fire and police services are also there to protect people in their homes, as well.’ ”

As for Greaves, 41, he said doctors who examined him and Chalk — after they were spotted by a search plane and picked up by a massive freighter — said they should have been dead.

Apparently, the water temperature and bitter winds should have finished them off.

But the experience off Australia — they were headed for Madagascar — only strengthens the resolve to complete that challenge, says Greaves, who spent 15 hours in the water with Chalk, clinging to the boat and praying to be saved.

“It’s personal, now.”

Stubbs said Greaves’ and Chalk’s presence has provided a big lift for the team.

The team’s progress can be tracked on the Internet at www.oceanrowing.com.

“More people have actually died on (Mount) Everest than have rowed an ocean,” he said.

“Our numbers are very small, and to have someone that has rowed an ocean, to come out and see you off, is one of those privileged things ...

“For them to come down and experience the team’s high spirits, I think we all get something from it.”

But their presence also reminds the team of what can happen.

“Of course. I mean, our families watched it all from home. George was actually in contact with Simon during that incident … and what that does is it heightens the senses …

“The Atlantic Ocean is a brutal place — or any ocean — and you certainly can’t let your guard down.

“The real danger is the unknown. But we’ve consulted weather experts, nutritionists, the people who supply special clothing. We look at the physical exertion, the boat design … all of a sudden it isn’t such a dangerous place.

“At the end of the day, whatever will be, will be.”