VivaldiAtlantic4



Rowers set out for Atlantic crossing
June 1 2005
ST. JOHN'S – Four British adventurers have embarked on a journey to row across the Atlantic Ocean with nothing other than the power of eight arms. The Vivaldi Atlantic 4 left St. John's Monday, and its crew hopes to cross the ocean within 55 days. Other rowers have made it across the Atlantic in the past, but the Vivaldi Atlantic 4 crew hope to set a record of their own. "The record we're trying to establish is to be the first boat ever to row back to the mainland U.K.," says member George Rock.
	The Vivaldi Atlantic 4 crew hopes to reach the United Kingdom in 55 days
"There's been crossings before, when they've gone to the west coast of Ireland or France … but no one's actually [gone] to the mainland U.K." The crew is sponsored by Vivaldi, a British potato marketing company.

	The crew know the disappointment of a failed crossing. An attempt three years ago was abandoned after 21 days. The boat has been redesigned, and measures just 29 feet, or under nine metres. While well-wishers showed up to cheer on the team, others could not help but be skeptical. "It's just cracked altogether," said spectator Perry Noseworthy. "You're going into the Atlantic now."
George Rock