Ocean rower hit by `Sahara dust’
Dunblane rower Elaine Hopley sent New Year wishes from the middle of the ocean as she battled the elements.
Elaine is taking part in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, aiming to row the 3000 miles from Spain to the Caribbean in under 70 days.
On New Year’s Day she took a quick break to send a message from the middle of the Atlantic saying: “Happy New Year from almost a third of the way! The last two days row; eat, rest, repeat!” And on Monday (January 2) she added: “Every morning at 10am is Milo coffee, biscuits and fishing. No catch yet but I am a patient person and lots of time. Watch this space for the big catch.”
Elaine (44) is one third of the way through the mammoth race and on track to be the fastest woman to solo row across the Atlantic.
Conditions so far have been varied. After a good start, Elaine struggled with waves reaching up to 40 feet.
Other challenges she has faced include clouds of sand blowing over her boat, with the dust from the Sahara turning her boat brown, and a small bird hitting her in the face.
Elaine was uninjured when the animal struck her, but it needed half an hour’s rest before it flew off.
Wind and sea conditions in the mid-Atlantic – which can greatly affect the speed of teams – are looking reasonably stable in the coming days, organisers said.
A dozen boats are taking part in this year’s event, with just four solo participants. Elaine currently sits second in the solo standings, and 10th overall.
The Dunblane businesswoman’s epic journey will raise funds for Alzheimer Scotland in memory of her late mum Janice, after she spent years preparing and fundraising for the race.
To donate to her challenge, and to keep up to date with her progress, visit www.eh-oceanrow.com