18 August 2006

Today (Friday 18 August 2006), four men from Seattle, USA in their boat, the James Robert Hanssen became the first crew in the Shepherd Ocean Fours Rowing Race 2006 to triumphantly cross the finish line, ending a voyage of the most epic proportions.

Sixty nine days previously, four courageous teams of four set off from New York Harbour, USA to embark on a unique adventure, to row 2,863 nautical miles across the North Atlantic Ocean to Falmouth, UK, in the worlds first ever North Atlantic Ocean Rowing Race. Competing on equal terms in purposely designed and built 29ft long ocean rowing boats known as the Woodvale Fours class, the teams have been racing against each other to be the first to cross the finish line, in the fastest possible time.

With an impressive lead of over 250 nautical miles, Boat #2 – James Robert Hanssen crewed by four university friends from Seattle, USA – Jordan Hanssen, Dylan Le Valley, Greg Spooner and Brad Vickers crossed the race finish line, a line of longitude from Bishop Rock Lighthouse (at 06 26.74W), today at 1444 hours GMT (1544 Hours BST) in a total crossing time of 69 days, 23 hours and 18 minutes.

Crew Member, Greg Spooner comments from the boat:
“This has been an amazing experience for us and we are all very emotional at the moment. This project has involved many more people than just the four of us and we are incredibly grateful for all the support of our family and friends”.

Having battled against the full force of Tropical Depression Alberto in the early on and strong Northerly winds in the latter stages of the Race, the weather conditions during this inaugural race have been less than favourable, resulting in the crew being unable to take the record for the fastest ever North Atlantic Ocean Rowing crossing. However, having crossed the race finish line, Jordan, Dylan, Greg and Brad have another record in their sights.

The crew of the James Robert Hanssen now plan to row the remaining 65 nautical miles in to Falmouth unaided to claim a new record – the first ever ocean rowing crew in history, to row unaided from mainland USA to mainland Britain.

Woodvale Events Ltd Managing Director, Simon Chalk comments:
“The Shepherd Ocean Fours Rowing Race 2006 has been a closely fought race right from the outset. However, the rowing prowess and strength of these four young Americans has clearly shone through. Their dedication, teamwork and desire to succeed, has proved beyond all doubt to be a winning formula and as a fellow ocean rower, I am over the moon to be able to congratulate these amazing sportsmen on this most spectacular achievement.”

John Bennett, Senior Partner of Race Title Sponsor, J & E Shepherd comments:
“I am so proud for our Company to be associated with the outstanding achievements of this winning team and indeed the amazing efforts of the other two crews still competing in the Shepherd Ocean Rowing Race 2006. I am full of admiration for each and every individual involved.”

Escorting James Robert Hanssen up the English Channel and in to Falmouth is race support RIB, Woodvale Alpha skippered by local resident, Mark Terry. With a further 65 nautical miles still to row, race organiser, Woodvale Events Ltd expects the James Robert Hanssen to finally finish at the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth on Sunday morning (Sunday 20 August 2006), where numerous proud family members and friends will eagerly be waiting to greet these brave young men back to land and to celebrate with them on their amazing achievement.