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Ocean Crossing with Oar Power

Battling strong currents and wind patterns can
lead to difficult, if not impossible crossovers.

Rowing across an ocean appeals to a special breed of sailor. It's someone who wants a new challenge, a new way to connect with nature or a new adventure. For some the voyage is spiritual, for others a test of endurance. The Europeans have popularized the sport over the past few years and now more Americans are joining in.

And increasingly, the sailors are rowing to make money for charities. Forget about a wooden rowboat, modern day ocean rowers ply their oars in sleek vessels, bristling with technology that look like race cars of the seas. These sailors also firmly believe in safety preparedness. They know that battling strong currents and wind patterns can lead to difficult, if not impossible crossovers. We are proud that the amazing athletes you will read about here chose Fiorentino anchors to position their boats into the waves and successfully ride out the inevitable storms. We have asked some of this new breed of sailors to share their stories with you. Scroll down and learn what drives them to row across open oceans. Most of these rowers maintain a blog of their adventure by posting dispatches to their website. See the "read more" links.


Seattle-based Erden Eruc, keeps on going

A technical consultant with graduate degrees in engineering and an MBA, Erden decided at the age of 41 to leave the money, the rat race, and an unfulfilling career behind for the adventure that he had been dreaming of for years. He is now focused full-time on tending to his responsibilities as the founder and President of Around-n-Over a non-profit organization that promotes education for children and inspires the adventurer in all of us.

Website




Katie Spotz, youngest rower ever to cross ocean solo

GEORGETOWN, Guyana -- After a bold 2,817 mile (4,500 kilometer) journey from West Africa that took her 70 days, five hours and 22 minutes to complete, Katie Spotz, 22, arrived in Guyana, in South America - setting the world record for the youngest rower to cross the ocean solo. Katie also raised an impressive amount of money for the Blue Planet Run Foundation to promote safe drinking water around the world. 

Website 

Paul Ridley rows for hope in memory of mother 
Paul’s unsupported trans-Atlantic expedition began in the Canary Islands on January 1, 2009. With only oars to power him, he set off from Africa toward South America, crossing the whole of the Atlantic Ocean. Along the way he rowed more than 3,000 nautical miles and spent 87 days and nights at sea, landing in the Caribbean on March 29, 2009. The expedition was an opportunity for Paul to make a significant contribution to cancer research
in memory of his mother.

Website


Graduates from Puget Sound Make Rowboat History

Docking in Falmouth, England, with friends and family cheering them on, the four University of Puget Sound graduates became the first men to row from mainland United States to mainland United Kingdom. They are also the first Americans to row the North Atlantic. Jordan Hanssen, Dylan LeValley, Greg Spooner and Brad Vickers were one of four teams in the first Ocean Fours Race that started in New York on June 10. OAR Northwest won the 2,863-mile race. The team raised money for the American Lung Association.

Website
 

ADMINISTRATOR'S NOTE:  Our special thanks to the rowers who provided their photographs and stories to Fiorentino. All stories are arranged chronologically with the most recent voyage first. We would love to hear about your voyage using the Fiorentino anchor. To submit your story or to suggest changes or credits to this page please contact Fiorentino 


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FIORENTINO NEWS   DIRECTIORY 

Events:
Fiorentino Boat Show & Seminar Schedule
Crossing With Oar Power


Articles: (Plus excerpts, & press releases)

Drag Tests Conducted with U.S. Alliance

On-The-Water Training  Videos

Drag Tests Conducted Aboard Wind Horse

What A Drag....Failed Series Drogue Test

Unsinkable Life Raft Tested in Rough Waters with Fiorentino Para Anchor

Knowing How to Use Your Para-Anchor Can
Save Your Life


More on Storm Tactics--Balance, Comfort

One More Round on The Drag Device Issue

Stationary or Moving While Hove-To

Storm Tactics Debate

First Educational Video For Para-Anchor

"The Para-Anchor Advantage"

Heaving-to: Safety Valve at Sea






                           - Coming Soon -



 

  


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