Norwegian rowing team to end epic challenge next weekend
A DIVER from Shetland and his four-man rowing team are set to end their attempt to row the entire Norwegian coastline next weekend.
Josh Halley and his team have been trying to navigate the 3,000km coastline in a tiny 8m x 1.5m boat, all in aid of the UK Air Ambulance Service.
Halley, fellow explorer and captain Glyn Sadler, two-time Olympic rower Martin Helseth and Danish enthusiast Anders Thormann began traversing Norway’s coastline on 12 July.
The quartet have faced unforgiving currents, “Shetland weather” in the form of 40mph gusts and a snapped rudder on their already energy-sapping journey.
Novice rower relishing 3,000km Norway quest to raise money for air ambulance service
And in a message to their sponsors – which includes a number of Shetland businesses – they said that the Nordic Endeavour challenge would end on Saturday 22 August.
The team said that the weather challenges and broken rudder had cost them time and affected their ability to reach Oslo to finish the challenge.
“We have had to prioritise our safety, taking shelter from strong winds, rain and currents and waiting for suitable weather windows to reach our next destinations,” they said.
“The weather has been a gruelling factor – one that, while we had anticipated, we had not expected to be so consistently challenging. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like it is going to get any better.
“After many lengthy discussions around timeframes, safety and the main objectives of the row, we have decided that we will no longer be finishing in Oslo.”
They said they have decided instead to finish the challenge in Ålesund next weekend instead.
That will also allow them to engage with local communities and to clean up beaches and seas around Norway along the route, they said.
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“We truly believe that we can make a difference by bringing communities together to care for our environment, while sharing our story and love of adventure.
“While we are disappointed that our goal of reaching Oslo is now out of reach, the team have agreed that our marine environment objective should not be sacrificed.”
Skipper Sadler thanked everyone who supported them on their challenge.
“Overall, this was a gutsy expedition, and we always knew we would face potential challenges that could unfortunately mean its incompletion,” he said.
“The team have adapted to these challenges and pushed on with the same heart and enthusiasm from the beginning, some 38 days ago, and have had their engineering skills tested as well.
“We are proud and grateful to our sponsors, and we hope we have represented you all with our vigorous determination.”
You can donate to their fundraiser here.
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