Thomas Cremona and his crew have broken a record while on their way to break the mid-Atlantic record.By Wednesday, the rowers had covered a distance of over 160 kilometres daily over 10 consecutive days, breaking the previous record established on December 15, 2007 by the La Mondiale crew, which covered over 160 kilometres daily for nine consecutive days.
Mr Cremona’s team yesterday officially extended their benchmark by another day.
“We have no intention of slowing down,” Mr Cremona said on his blog oceanrowmalta.com.
In fact, the story does not end here as the team, competing with another two boats, Hallin Marine and Big Blue, is chasing another record set by La Mondiale – to cross the Atlantic in 33 days, seven hours and 30 minutes of ocean rowing, established on January 17, 2008.
The first record was confirmed by Ocean Rowing Society International, the official adjudicator of ocean rowing records for Guinness World Records.
Mr Cremona’s crew, made up of two British, two Irish, an Icelandic, hopes that by today it will cover more than half the 5,100 kilometre journey.
“This record was certainly not easy for the team to attain. One factor that contributed to this wonderful achievement is the terrific team spirit on board. Rowing in unison, supportive of each other throughout the challenges that arise from day to day, we are a force to be reckoned with,” he wrote on his blog.
“While aware of the competition, together with each member of our team I cannot do more than give this attempt my personal best. We are all in great form but the weight reserves we had accumulated in the months leading up to the departure have been exhausted,” Mr Cremona said.
The rowers have fought their way against choppy waters and monstrous waves. Mr Cremona said struggling to row up what he termed as “moving mountains” was tiring.
The crew was knocked down a couple of times, with one wave swamping the boat.
However, they suffered no injuries and no damage was caused to Sara G.
Mr Cremona survived leukaemia when aged four and since then took part in several challenges, including LifeCycle 2006 in aid of the national renal unit. His Row4Cancer campaign aims at raising awareness that there is life after cancer. It is also helping raise funds for Puttinu Cares.
Donations in support of Puttinu Cares can be made by SMS on 5061 7380 for €2.33, 5061 8939 for €6.99 and 5061 9225 for €11.65, by phone on 5004 9543 for €7, 5004 9545 for €11 and 5004 9540 for €23. There is also a Bank of Valletta account: 400 1812 2134.