The three Gooise rowers who were supposed to start their biggest challenge ever today, unexpectedly have to stay out longer. The start of the World’s Toughest Row, a rowing trip of almost 5,000 kilometers across the Atlantic Ocean, has been postponed. Cause: the extreme weather expected on the route in the coming days. The organization believes it is too dangerous to let the teams leave now.
“We are still in bed, otherwise we would have been on the boat,” says Enrique Gomez from La Gomera. He and his teammates Jeroen van den Berg and Frans van Leeuwen were actually supposed to start around half past eleven today. The boat was already completely packed and the home front was ready to wave them goodbye from the jetty.
But last night the message came that the start today will not take place.
“This is not fun at all”
“This is not fun at all,” says Enrique. “Last night we were told that the start has been postponed to Sunday or Monday due to the very bad weather that is coming.” With wind force eight and waves of six meters, the organization thinks it is too intense to start now.
A bitter pill, especially because the team has been in La Gomera since December 1 and the tension has only built up in recent days. Told earlier the men said they were eager to leave.
The race continues as usual
It remains uncertain when exactly the Gooise rowers will be allowed to get on the water. The organization is looking at when it is responsible to let the dozens of boats start. But one thing is certain, Enrique emphasizes: “It will continue anyway. It will look much better from next week.”