Extreme Ocean Rower Exchanges Oars for Sails
Record holding ocean rower, Elin Haf Davies is turning her hand to offshore sailing in the Rolex Fastnet Race this year.
For the seasoned sailor, this race is an opportunity to take on one of the biggest offshore classics in the world of yacht racing. For an ocean-rower without any sailing experience like Elin Haf Davies from North Wales, it will be a challenge of huge proportions.
Luckily, Elin is in good hands as under the command of RORC Commodore Andrew McIrvine, she will join forces with his experienced crew in his Beneteau First 40, La Réponse. Elin is no stranger to the ocean and adventure however having rowed across the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
In 2007, she rowed across the Atlantic Ocean completing 2552 miles in a 24 foot boat in an all female pair. Dubbed the 'Nautical Nurses', the journey took 77 days 7 hours and 37 minutes. The girls conquered 40ft waves, scorching heat and narrow misses with cargo ships. Elin landed in Antigua to become the first Welsh woman to ever row across the Atlantic Ocean.
14 months later, Elin joined team 'Ocean Angels' to set a world record by becoming the first all-female crew to row 3139 miles across the Indian Ocean - taking 78 days, 15 hours and 54 minutes. The girls were battered by the elements, faced heavy storms that broke vital equipment and injured one of the crew, but continued on their quest blessed with an amazing team spirit.