Day 7 – One week in and it’s getting rough

One week into their Atlantic adventure, the crews of Mission Atlantic are already showing remarkable grit and determination. However, the ocean has no intentions of making things easy. Over the last 24 hours rain, and intensifying winds have tested their resolve, and now the crews face their biggest challenge yet.

Riding the Storm
For Ocean’s Elite, winds will strengthen to 20-24 knots, gusting up to 35 knots, the days ahead will demand every ounce of skill and focus. For Rowing Stones, the worst of the weather is delayed but inevitable as a weakened system catches up with them later in the week.

These sorts of weather conditions lend themselves to squalls, localised areas of stronger than advertised winds, choppy confused seas and rain. Occasionally there may even be some lightning. Rowing Stones found themselves in one of these cells last night and even went as far as to deploy the para anchor for a few hours before it passed. They recovered the parachute anchor and continued on their journey.

For context, significant wave height refers to the average height of the highest one-third of waves observed in a given period. But out here, maximum wave heights—those rare, rogue giants—can be almost double that size. Managing a small ocean rowing boat, in these conditions requires precision and teamwork. The focus is on keeping her stern to the waves, ensuring she rides with the wind and doesn’t get side on to the weather with waves sloshing over the side and swamping the deck with water.

A Steady Hand Amid Chaos
Despite the challenges, the crews are making good speed, using the current wind to their advantage. The preparation has been meticulous: ballast water is secured, lockers are organized to evenly distribute weight, and food supplies are strategically placed to maintain stability. These measures, combined with the inherent design of ocean rowing boats, give our teams the best chance to weather the storm safely.

There’s no escaping the weather—these boats aren’t fast enough to outrun or divert around it. The crews know what’s coming, and mental preparation is just as important as physical readiness. Cleaning and tidying might seem like small tasks, but they’re critical in maintaining focus and morale when conditions turn chaotic.

A Storm of Courage
Seven days at sea can feel like a lifetime, but it’s clear that both Ocean’s Elite and Rowing Stones are rising to the occasion. Every decision, every stroke, is a testament to their strength and determination. They are not just surviving; they’re adapting, learning, and pushing forward.

As supporters, we can only marvel at their resilience. Stay tuned for tomorrow’s update, as we follow the crews into what promises to be their most challenging chapter yet.