Unfavourable weather and sea conditions slowed Thomas Cremona and his international crew on their way to Barbados to set a new mid-Atlantic rowing record.
The rowers are about 600 kilometres from their destination and hope to get there by Monday evening or early Tuesday.
In order to break the current record of 33 days, seven hours and 30 minutes they have to reach Barbados before 7.30 p.m. GMT on Wednesday.
Thomas’s father, Alfred, said if they maintained their present speed of 6.87 kilometres per hour they would still make it on time. However, they are worried because the weather has been quite inconsistent in the last hours.
Nonetheless, the team spirit soared when the forecast came in of better weather conditions over the weekend. They are still worried, however, because although wind direction will change in their favour, it is estimated wind speed will rise to 55 kilometres per hour, making it more difficult for the crew to maintain control of their boat, the Sara G.
Although very tired, the rowers were extremely motivated because they were now a few days away from setting a new record, added Mr Cremona.
At the SportMalta Awards last Saturday, the Malta Sports Council commended Mr Cremona’s contribution to the local sports industry when last year he rowed his way into a new world record.
On December 12, Mr Cremona achieved the “longest continual row” in the Concept2 Individual Men 20-29 heavyweight category when he broke the record held by Vincent Brunning of Plymouth, who spent 20 hours on a rowing machine in October 2009. Mr Cremona spent 24 hours on his machine.
An accountant by profession, Mr Cremona, 22, survived Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia when aged four and 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. There is also a Bank of Valletta account: 400 1812 2134.
Donations can also be made online on www.puttinucares.org.
Mr Cremona’s venture can be followed on www.worldoceanrowing.com/track-the-crew/.