Two women’s crews with strong Irish links set off from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to row across the Atlantic today. Jessica Oliver, who is Irish, teamed up with Charlotte Harris as part of the WildWaves crew, while Victoria Carroll and Saf Greenwood (pictured) form the Tideway Odyssey crew.
Both crew got good starts in a very smooth start to the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge, roared on by a big crowd which gathered on the quay. The fleet of boats is set to row the 3,000 miles (4,800 km) to Antigua
Carroll is the grand daughter of esteemed Irish coach Noel Casey, who gave her a pep talk yesterday. Get on with it! was the message from Casey who still coaches with Kenmare. He turns 88 next Sunday, December 19th.
Both crews have been fundraising for charities in a very difficult year for running support events.
You can track the race here
https://www.taliskerwhiskyatlanticchallenge.com