Attempt aborted. Till after the hurricane season. 16 Apr, 06 - 08:00 28.0520N,17.0632W

My attempt to cross the Atlantic started on the 11th of April.
Due to a stormy weather on the 12th and 13th, I was pushed further North than expected, setting me back by a week in my budgeted time to clear the Canary Islands and enter the Atlantic proper. It also meant, I was an additional week into the Atlantic hurricane season, potentially finishing the crossing head on into a hurricane. My concern was not bad weather at sea, but bad weather at landfall, possibly resulting in a rescue at sea, loosing the boat, the equipment and loosing any chance at a future attempt.
From the outset, the Atlantic hurricane season, which officially starts on the 1st of June, has been the main source of time pressure. Getting the timing right has been critical to ensuring a successful attempt.
Given the anticipation of sponsors and supporters, my decision to turn back to La Gomera, just 4 days into the crossing has been a difficult one. But I have taken it only after discussions with Rune Larsson, past rowers and the Ocean Rowing Society in London.
At stake is personal credibility, life, the investment by the sponsors and the support of those individuals who have contributed their time and energy in making this attempt possible. The outcome of the past few days have been disappointing and frustrating. However, such is the nature of the sport.
Ocean rowing, as a sport, has its risks. One of largest influencing factors is the prevailing weather conditions at the time of a crossing. A professional and responsible approach to this endurance sport calls for risk management, not risk exposure.
As the project director, my responsibilities are to:
a. minimise the risk to life from bad weather and equipment failure
b. safeguard the investment of the sponsors and supporters
c. ensure all the conditions are met to ensure a successful attempt
My decision to postpone the crossing till after the Atlantic hurricane season is based on the following calculations:
Official start of the hurricane season: June 1.
Best case time estimate for the crossing: 60 days
Start: April 15, End: June 15 (2 weeks into the hurricane season)
Worst case time estimate for the crossing: 100 days
Start: April 15, End: July 25 (8 weeks into the hurricane season)
Adding an allowance of 1 week for injury at sea,equipment failure etc en route gives an a 3-9 week exposure to the hurricane season.
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I have decided to re-attempt the crossing at the end of the hurricane season, in October 2006. It has been a difficult decision. Difficult decisions, however, are a privilege of rank.
Between April and October, training around the Canary islands will continue and regular updates will be posted on this website.
Till then, thanks to everybody for the support. It's not the end - yet.
B
TODAYS PHOTO - Atlantic Hurricane Season