OAR Northwest team in training prior to their New York departure

OAR Northwest almost done!
August 10, 2006    
Our friends on the 29 feet long, four-man ocean rowing boat James Robert Hanssen are almost done with their eastbound row across the northern Atlantic. The OAR Northwest team started their row on Saturday, June 10th from New York. Their destination is Falmouth in the southwestern corner of England, 2,863 nautical miles away from New York past the Isles of Scilly. OARNorthwest team is in the lead by almost 200 nautical miles, with just about 200 nautical miles left before crossing the finish line.

The first crew to row that route were two Norwegian immigrants to the US, George Harboe and Gabriel Samuelsen back in 1896. This row, chronicled in the book "Daring the Sea" was the first ever successful ocean crossing by rowing, and their record time of 55 days still stands. There have only been 9 successful ocean rows from the USA, across this route since then.

OAR Northwest team is fundraising for the American Lung Association of Washington. For a $100 donation, they will post your message on their website. Please pass on the word to help this fine team of young men accomplish their fundraising goals.

Erden.