Rowers to take on challenge

A CREW of 20 rowers is preparing to circumnavigate the island of Ireland – a round trip of almost 1,000 nautical miles – in a self-built 15ft skiff to raise funds for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland (CFI).

The team, comprising 20 rowers of mixed ability and experience, will set off from Bray on May 30 with crews of two oarsmen/women at a time rowing in relays.

The rowers will stop at 50 designated points along the coast, with support on hand from a shore-based crew as well as cover boats that will escort the boat on some of the more challenging legs.

‘Row-A-Round Ireland’ is the brainchild of Bray-based maritime enthusiast Ger Crowley, who says the trip will be hugely challenging for all those involved.

“It’s an ambitious project, a journey of almost 1,000 nautical miles, and the main objective is to safely row an open 15ft timber skiff around the island,

? he said.

“Each two-person crew will contribute 100 miles towards the overall voyage over a period of a week or so, rowing on average up to 20 miles per day, so it’s a big ask for all our volunteers.

“The other objective, of course, is to raise funds and awareness for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland and all our rowers are giving their time and effort for free.

?

The Row-A-Round Ireland crew is drawn mainly from the immediate Crowley family and friends under the watchful eye of team mascot and coxswain Joey the Labrador.

A true sea dog, Joey has a regular spot in the stern of the boat as it makes its way up and down the Bray coast on training rows. Although the journey will consist of 50 one-day legs, the changeable Irish weather means the crew has allowed 120 days to complete the challenge safely.

“Weather is going to be an issue alright, and there are some treacherous stretches of water to be navigated including Donegal Bay which comprises some 30 miles of the open Atlantic Ocean, Clew Bay, the Cliffs of Moher and from Loop Head across the mouth of the mighty Shannon,

? said Ger, who built the boat that will tackle the journey in 2006.

“It’s a sturdy vessel, however, I recently modified the design to cope with the additional challenges of this particular venture,

? he added.

The challenge also involves shore-based logistical support with a vehicle following the crew on land bringing change-over crews to intended landing areas, spares for repairs, food and also serving as a retrieval vehicle here beach landings are involved.

The team is also counting on local community support along the way, with many members of the maritime community having pledged their support by offering food, accommodation valuable advice and local knowledge.

Funds will be raised as the boat makes its way around Ireland, with all money going towards fighting Cystic Fibrosis, a fatal genetic disease that affects approximately one in 1,600 births in the country.

This makes it the country with the highest incidence of CF in the developed world.