The Route
The Global Row voyage encompasses all of the world's major Oceans, covering over 18,000 nautical miles.
The expedition will take approximately 18-22 months, passing through the the Southern parts of the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans and on the periphery of the Southern Ocean.
Here the wind roars from west to east around the planet and between the latitudes known as the roaring forties and screaming sixties. These contribute to the Circumpolar current which travels around the icecap from west to east - this weather will aid the speed of Olly's voyage.
The Southern Ocean begins south of 60S and the voyage is not planned to cross this line of latitude - although it may become necessary passing through the Drake Passage - the most southerly point of the journey.
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Olly will leave from Tasmania in October 2012, heading towards Cape Horn and passing through the Drake Passage, and after 8,000 miles and approximately 160 days at sea will land on South Georgia, approx 750 miles ESE of the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic.
Here, he will overwinter at the scientific base, avoiding the worst of the furious winter conditions in the Southern Ocean. One of the main risks to the success of the expedition is the accumulation of ice on the vessel's superstructure, thus raising the centre of mass and making her unstable and liable to capsize. Although the vessel is self righting and can therefore overcome such problems, the voyage has been planned so that the two legs of the journey do not take place when the sea conditions are conducive to icing. As Olly will be ashore on South Georgia over the winter when the conditions are worst, he will avoid this potential risk.
The boat will here take on a resupply. and undergo any necessary boat repairs and equipment changes.
In October Olly will leave again to continue for 9,000 miles through the South Atlantic and Indian Ocean. Olly will pass cliose to Kerguelen and within a reasonable distance (approx 200-250 miles) of the Prince Edward, Crozet and MacDonald islands, which could be beneficial should the need arise to make further repairs or take on supplies.
Having passed through these islands, there remains one last long stretch through the Southern Indian Ocean to return to Olly's starting point in Tasmania.
Olly aims return to Tasmania in April, 18 months after his initial departure.
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Antarctica
Olly's Global Row route will take him on a circumnavigation of Antarctica.
Antarctica is the world's fifth largest continent, representing 10% of the Earth's land area. Its size doubles during the polar winter when the surrounding seas freeze over.
There is still much to learn about the region, and following the prominent work of Scott 100 years ago, the British scientific work has continued over the last century. Today, Antarctica's unique environment is protected by the Antarctic Treaty, ensuring that the continent is only used for peaceful purposes, banning military bases or weapon testing. Scientitic research and cooperation is promoted.
Completing the expedition...
Following the suspension of the Global Row in 2009, Olly is embarking on another attempt while he still has the The team is now in the midst of a sponsorship drive to re-ignite the expedition, and to complete his solo world row in 2012.
With the necessary funding and the right boat, this incredible feat of bravery and strength is attainable. Having already crossed the Atlantic, the Tasman and endured three hurricanes at sea, Olly knows that the expedition is well within his grasp.
