In June 2023, Peter Harley, a 62-year-old South African, living in North Carolina USA, will row solo and unassisted across the Pacific Ocean. The vessel - A 24ft Ocean Rowing boat. "Wild Ride" LAUNCH DATE - 6TH JUNE 2023 - MONTEREY CA. DESTINATION - HONOLULU. HI - 2800 MILES. DURATION - 65 TO 85 DAYS.
First look back at the North Atlantic Challenge.
A few North Atlantic Memories
The impenetrable blackness of the night with the sounds of the wind and ocean is a special experience...until the AIS alarm goes off...😂 A glimpse into just some of the logistics to get an expedition like this to the start line. Those that are familiar with ocean rowing will know what’s involved.
My North Atlantic expedition - www.northatlanticchallenge.com - after disembarking from the tanker in Corpus Christi Texas on June 7th, 2022. After
purchasing a new trailer while still
on the tanker, with the help of my daughter Bonnie, doing the negotiations and searching, to get “Wild Ride” off the tanker and into storage on the 7th. (This was a mission in itself), then flying back to Virginia Beach on the 8th to collect my truck. I met with VB friends Mike, Trey, and Ben on the 9th for breakfast to catch up, then drove back to Cary NC that afternoon to move into my new apartment on the 10th. Gym and physical training for PSR 2023 started the next day on the 11th. On Thursday, September 29th, I headed out on a 1,400-mile drive to Corpus
Christi with a trailer in tow. After a one-night stop in Mobile AL, I arrived in CC on Friday afternoon, the 30th. I went straight to the storage where Wild Ride was stored and was truly delighted to see her. I have become so attached to that little vessel, I’m not sure I could ever sell her. (That’s material for another story) Anyway after about 3 hours of dealing with flat trailer tires and other small issues, I finally had her transferred to the original trailer (the one I'd just towed from NC). Saturday morning, I headed out back to NC, staying overnight in Atmore AL, and arrived back in Cary NC on Sunday afternoon, the 2nd of October. The 2,800-mile trip takes 4 days. (For those more familiar with kilometers - 4,480km) A whirlwind road trip to say the least. The return trip was uneventful apart from many curious and sometimes very interested motorists peering at a vessel they never knew existed, some reading the web address and sending messages of support while en route. In October and November I was busy repairing some bumps and bruises and some minor breakages she collected getting on and off the tanker. I changed the rowing seat and position, replaced the bilge pump, and hand-held radio, installed an inverter (I now have 110v power on board), and a few other items that were getting tired. Purchased a new para-anchor and rope and a new bridal line. The previous one got gobbled up in the tanker bow-thruster. I’ve changed the para-anchor bridal set-up (North Atlantic experience), and my AIS is toast, so need to replace that, (Kenny in Texas, has been great in helping with that issue) – I only found that problem after having my N2K system constantly getting bombed out for no apparent reason, finally to realize it was the AIS with its own set of demons. Re-configured my food preparation set-up changed some lighting and got new signage for the boat and truck. It must be remembered that with my busy schedule all this can only be done on Saturdays so seemingly small things take an inordinate amount of time and I’m still having to find time to train 7 days a week. Finally, on November 6th I got to row again for the first time. Really nice to get back into it. Both physical and rowing training will continue through mid-May. On May 22nd, 2023, I leave NC with Wild Ride in tow and head West 2,800 miles on the I-40 across the country to Monterey CA. (this is an adventure on its own) I will arrive there on May 26th and the PSR launch is scheduled for June 6th. None of this has included things like accommodation, mooring, parking for my truck and trailer, moving my apartment stuff out and back into storage (for the second time in 12 months), boat return shipping, then a cross-country return of another 2,800 miles, and a bunch of other things too numerous to mention plus several hundred miles of training (I put in 1100 miles for the North Atlantic) and only then, finally, ready for the main event........ (Of course, every expedition is unique with its own challenges - but that's a taste of what's needed.) This all comes on the back of a recent expedition, so most of the acquisition costs and 1st-time events (which are never-ending and have a steep learning curve) have been done. So..... if you're thinking of having a go...., don't be put off, just know what you're in for. All no small task !! and each step with its own challenges. - I wouldn’t change any of it.!! Adventure at its best !! I hope that’s of some interest and maybe inspirational to take on challenges that both test us and change our lives. Ocean rowing is not for everyone but there is a challenge out there for everyone. Find yours and go for it. It might just be life-changing....... While taking on an ocean is a formidable task, I choose to do it. Spare a thought for those whose daily challenge and struggle are to simply try to function as "normally" as possible. Their challenge is not a choice, it's foisted upon them. At birth or developed physical disabilities and crippling disease afflicts millions daily. Their lives are devoid of the possibilities that many of us enjoy, and sometimes take for granted. One of the many life changes that ocean rowing has brought to me, is NOT to take this privilege for granted. Be grateful. Be your best. Be inspired!
For more information contact Peter at Email : pacificsolorow@gmail.com https://www.pacificsolorow.com/
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