Thomas Cremona 800km from Barbados, but the going is tough

Unfavourable weather and sea conditions have slowed the Atlantic rowing attempt by Thomas Cremona and his international crew, but the rowers are optimistic that they can still set a new record if wind direction changes over the weekend.

The rowers left from Southern Morocco on January 5 on a 5,000km row to Barbados. They are now 800km away from their destination and hope to get there by Monday evening or early Tuesday, well in time to break the current record of 33 days, seven hours and 30 minutes.

Thomas's father, Alfred, said the crew were in good spirits and determined to achieve their target.

"But there is only so much they can do, and much now depends on the sea conditions and the weather," he said. "If the wind picks up and changes direction as forecast, it will be good for them," he said.

The deadline for the record is 7.30GMT on Wednesday.

The team of rowers also includes two Irish, two Britons, and an Icelander.

The Sara G is a 11.1-metre-long sculling boat with a 1.8-metre-beam. It was built in 2007 and in December that year it busted the 67-day record set for crossing the Tasman Sea, by making it from New Zealand to Australia in 32 days.

An accountant by profession, Thomas 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.

www.worldoceanrowing.com/track-the-crew/