On Saturday 15th December Puerto de Mogan in Gran Canaria witnessed a truly heroic and unique sporting event. At 13.00 two rowing boats, the British-owned “La Mondiale” and the American-owned “La Orca” embarked from the calm waters of Puerto De Mogán – destination Barbados 2,987 miles (4,808 kilometres) away – in a spectacular bid to race across the Atlantic Ocean and set a new world record for this feat. The two teams, 14 British oarsmen and 4 Americans, will need to reach the Caribbean in less than 35 days, 8 hours and 30 minutes, the world record currently held by the French and achieved in 1992.

Scores of thrilled spectators, together with well-wishers and friends and family of the crew were privileged to watch the courageous men row off in unison to begin their amazing adventure. Amongst them was our Theresa Bona, manager of Cardenas Real Estate Office Puerto de Mogan, together with close friends and clients Rob and Luisa. Emotions ran high as the two teams were waved to and cheered as they slowly rowed out to the start line, and good luck wishes were shouted out to the men as they disappeared into the horizon. Not a day Puerto de Mogan will forget for a long time and we all wish the men God speed with their epic task ahead and a safe and record-breaking arrival in Barbadian waters in mid-January 2008. 

Anyone wishing to find out more details on the crossing and current progress can log onto the following websites: www.oceanrowevents.com and www.oceanrowing.com

By Luisa Baldwin & Theresa Bona