2nd August 1998

No Limits in mid-Atlantic

In many ways, Tori Murden's rowing odyssey in the Atlantic Ocean is just beginning. The first forty days at sea have gone by without major incident, as the two-know Gulf Stream has helped propel her 23-foot boat, the "SECTOR NO LIMITSĒ" American Pearl some 1,374 nautical miles on a north-east course toward northern Europe.

Since departing from North Carolina on June 14th, Tori Murden has averaged nearly 35 nautical miles each day, in her bid to become the first woman to row solo across the Atlantic. After more than five weeks, she is one-third of the way toward her goal. Murden's 3,300-nautical mile solo row is sponsored by Sector Sport Watches. She has been sighted by a cargo ship, a container ship and a fishing boat. Although in good spirits, Murden reports that she has capsized twice and that the "SECTOR NO LIMITSĒ" American Pearl self-righted and self-bailed as designed.

Murden is pulling about 1,500 pounds of boat, food and technical gear as she rows 10 hours each day west to east across the North Atlantic. Only five rowers - all men - have completed the west to east crossing.

Murden's daily positions are received via an Argo satellite transmitter fixed to her boat. Her progress can be tracked on the Internet at www.oceanrowing.com.

© Copyright Regatta Magazine, 1998.