Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
SHIRLEY’S OFF ON OARSOME CHALLENGE..
Rower aiming to be first woman to cross Atlantic solo
A ROWER set off on an epic challenge yesterday in her bid to become the oldest woman to conquer an ocean solo.
Belfast woman Shirley Thompson is marking her 60th birthday by crossing the 3,000 miles of the Atlantic.
She set off from the Canaries and hopes to reach the Caribbean island of St Barts in three months.
Shirley said: “I am naturally very nervous but hugely excited.
“It’s a mammoth undertaking and the enormity if it is starting to hit me but I am focused and determined.”
While she only learned how to row and swim this year, she is confident in her own abilities.
The former private jet stewardess has also organised the Jungle Marathon – a 260km stage race through the Amazon rainforest which is said to be one of the toughest endurance tests. While Shirley is hoping to complete her challenge by the end of February, it could be longer depending on the conditions.
She will row for 14 hours per day and rest in a tiny cabin.
Along the way she is braced to encounter huge waves, capsizing, sea-sickness, salt sores, sharks, whales, dolphins and cargo ships.
Shirley said encountering huge vessels, especially when sleeping, is a major concern.
But she hoped her boat will be picked up on radar in enough time for them to change course and avoid her.
Shirley admitted she would miss lots of things – but mostly her two dogs.
She said: “They make me laugh and smile every day. I will also miss ice-cream, cold drinks and a cosy bed.
“Many people are inspired and have been supportive though I think the majority of them think I am bonkers.
“The scary parts are all part of the journey and I am mentally prepared for the good and the less good parts.”
BBC True North is filming a documentary on her challenge and Shirley, who is now based in the south of France, said the support of people at home was incredible.
The essential items she packed to survive the journey – which has cost her £80,000 – includes a life raft, an electric desalination device for water and plenty of food including a supply of Tayto crisps.
She has been training hard – both on and off the water – has taken exams in navigation, operating radios, first aid and is currently studying for her yacht masters ocean theory course.
Shirley is asking for donations from anyone who can help raise money for two good causes – a cancer charity and an animal charity which she is yet to name.
■ To donate and to find out more information visit www.gofundme.com/ solo-atlantic-row.
I’m nervous, excited and very focused. It’s a mammoth undertaking
SHIRLEY THOMPSON CANARY ISLANDS