Hebridean adventurer describes 'amazing' Atlantic adventure
Crew using solar power to spread sustainability message
It is an epic adventure that has already involved a mid-Atlantic repair, the rescue of a stricken turtle, and an up close and personal encounter with a blue shark.
A fundraiser from the Outer Hebrides has revealed details of her “amazing” experience taking part in one of the world’s most gruelling ocean rowing events.
Emma Wolstenholme, from the small island of Grimsay between North Uist and Benbecula, is closing in on the final leg of the marathon World’s Toughest Row challenge, which spans more than 3,000 miles from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to English Harbour in the Caribbean island of Antigua.
The 43 year-old is part of a crew raising awareness of climate action and marine conservation. Together they have been rowing in shifts for 24 hours a day.
Ms Wolstenholme, a former Royal Air Force squadron leader, said she has encountered pods of dolphins, flying fish, and a six foot-long blue shark during her time at sea so far, with gusts up to 30 knots.
She also had to help repair an oar holder that was damaged while rowing in a heavy squall. The pivot had broken and the bar had snapped on a rowlock, which helps hold oars in place, requiring some makeshift DIY work. On another occasion, they helped free a turtle that had become trapped in a fishing net,
The adventurer explained: “It's been amazing, the boat is so fast now we've been able to clean the bottom of it. We've seen more flying fish - one jumped a few metres in the air, and that was spectacular.
“Being surrounded by water every day highlights just how valuable a sustainable approach to its use really is. While the ocean is all around us, our fresh water is carefully managed.”
She added: “Sea life sightings more recently have included a few yellowfin amberjack keeping close to the boat, taking shelter beneath the hull. The calm conditions and gentle sea state allowed us to get into the water to clean the hull and cool off - an especially welcome opportunity given how challenging it is to stay out of the sun.
“The team have well and truly settled into life at sea - learning the rhythms of the boat, the ocean, and each other.”
Ms Wolstenholme, who is also a member of Uist Coastal Rowing Club, was previously part of a crew which set a Guinness World Record as the fastest female team to complete the GB Row Challenge, rowing continuously and unsupported for 2,000 miles around the entire UK coast.
She and her fellow members of the Call to Earth crew are relying on solar power to run their critical systems and produce fresh water every other day, using an onboard water maker, making them fully self-sustainable.
The team is sponsored by Water Plus, a firm which works with organisations to help them save water in their day to day operations.
Tony McHardy, the company’s managing director, said: “Just like every oar stroke by the incredible Call to Earth crew, every small action with water counts and can see reduced carbon emissions, wider efficiencies and cut utility costs.”
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