VOPAK VICTORY - Ocean Fours Team Holland

 From John Zeigler (Atlantic E-W 2001)
I picked up Istvan Hajdu (2001 ARR/ Hungary) from NYcity. We drove the 65 miles to Atlantic Highlands wasting no time. We were witness to the departure of the Dutch "Four" leaving as well as Oliver Hicks solo in "Miss Olive" (Istvan's old boat "UnisVoyager"!) from different docks not more than 100m apart.
It was a perfect day. Calm, sunny and a light breeze in the right direction (an exception of late) to help them on their way. An ebb tide was expected within an hour after they passed "Sandy Hook" as they entered the Atlantic Ocean from the Bay. Both boats are moving parallel to "Long Island" (a part of NY state which is about 100 miles long)
A small crowd of family, press and locals bid them a safe and swift journey. Few understand the enormity of the task ahead, including the rowers...
Good luck Gies, Jaap, Martin, Robert and Oliver. Safe journey.
Ziggy