Destination France: Two Rowers Prepare For Transatlantic Bid
by Alan Pollock
CHATHAM — Two French
athletes are in Chatham, preparing to begin a transatlantic rowing
odyssey in two separate boats.
Mathieu Bonnier and
Bruno Froideval are waiting for good weather before starting their trip
to France. They have been planning their expedition for more than a
year, and hope to depart before the end of the month. Both are
experienced ocean rowers who have previously crossed the Atlantic from
the east to the west, according to the Ocean Rowing Society.
Timing is critical
for transatlantic rowers, who need to delay their departure long enough
for favorable summer weather conditions. But if they wait too long to
leave, they risk being at sea during the peak of hurricane season.
Bonnier said he and Froideval
are making the trip as adventurers, and are not seeking to break the world record for a west-to-east transatlantic
row from the U.S., set by Emmanuel Coindre in 2004. Coindre made the passage in 62
days.
Check this week's
edition for the story.
6/7/12 |
