CrewBlu’s Transatlantic Challenge
CrewBlu

CrewBlu’s Transatlantic Challenge

By 22 March 2022March 25th, 2022No Comments

Project Empower: 2 Men, 5000kms Of Fearsome Ocean, 1 Goal

“In the summer of 2022 lifelong Galway friends Damian Browne and Fergus Farrell will complete an unsupported row across the Atlantic from New York City to Galway”. Together they are ‘Project Empower’ and they are officially attempting to achieve a world record for an unsupported row across the Atlantic from New York City to Galway. The world record they are determined to break has been in place for over 120 years. The pairs world record is held by Norwegian-born Americans Frank Samuelsen and George Harbo who in 1896 became the first people ever to row across an ocean. They crossed from New York to the Scilly Isles in 1896 in a time of 55 days and 13 hours.

CrewBlu sponsors Project Empower

Blu Angel first met Fergus Farrell when he came to row in CrewBlu. He told us his plans as he was picking up some rowing techniques to prepare for his TransAtlantic Challenge.
In October 2018, Fergus ruptured his T9, T10 and T11 spinal discs. His chances of walking again were just 5%. He was completely paralysed from the waist down. With a lot of hard work and determination, Fergus did walk again. Fergus’ story is inspiring, it’s one of keeping hope, belief in oneself, not giving up – even when it feels like you can’t go on, determination and courage. His story inspired us to want to support his journey and a collaboration with Fergus and Project Empower. Blu Angel are one of Project Empower’s official sponsors.

CrewBlu's Transatlantic Challenge

Your challenge, should you choose to accept it

Here at Blu Angel we are so excited because CrewBlu now have an amazing once in a lifetime opportunity to be a part of this great adventure. We are inviting our CrewBlu Team to participate in the CrewBlu Transatlantic Challenge.

Row
Erg
Sail
Swim
Walk
1 Crew, 5000kms Of Fearsome Erging+, 1 Goal

To cross the Atlantic with CrewBlu & Project Empower. Together as a Crew we will cross the Atlantic from New York to Galway. How? By logging our rowing, erging, sailing, swimming or walking kms until we collectively do 5000 Kms – the same distance Project Empower are doing to take them all the way across the Atlantic Ocean.

55 days!?

For those who accept the challenge, in our Challenge Launch we will have an unique opportunity to meet with Fergus before Project Empower sets out and get to see the bespoke boat that was especially built for the crossing. This boat is where they will live, row, eat and sleep for approximately 55 days. At the launch challenge participants will get to hear what their days will be like; what will they eat? How do you pack enough food to fit in a small boat for 55 days or more? When & Where will they sleep? Do they row at night? How do they see in the dark? What will their rowing schedule be? What is a Giant Eddy? Will they meet whales? What happens to the boat in a storm? What will it be like to be at sea for 55 days?

Fame, Adventure and T-Shirts

Each member of CrewBlu who joins this challenge will get a Transatlantic Passport (Camino Style) where you will log your daily/weekly metres. There will be weekly giveaway prizes during the challenge to help keep you motivated and strong.

On completion of the challenge CrewBlu will be part of welcoming Project Empower back to Galway. Each participant will get a CrewBlu challenge T Shirt, an official stamp on your TransAtlantic Passport and a TransAtlantic Challenge Completion Certificate from CrewBlu & Project Empower. Finally the Crew will have an opportunity to attend the challenge closing ceremony with Fergus and find out directly from him what his amazing adventure was like.

What you can do now to prepare for the Challenge

  • Learn More: Visit projectempower.ie to learn more about Project Empower and this article at the Independent.ie Two lifelong friends attempt to break world record as they row from New York to Galway
  • Confirm your participation to receive your TransAtlantic Passport. Text ‘yes I’m up for the Challenge’ to CrewBlu WhatsApp.
  • Challenge Launch: 6th April 2022 at 7.00pm – Loughrea, Co. Galway
  • Be Ready Mid May: Official Challenge starts mid May when Project Empower pushes off from New York. The exact date is to be confirmed as is dependent on specific weather conditions to leave.
  • Stay Fit: Until then, keep training.
Walk, sail or row – dream free
1.5 million oar strokes – no time to sleep at night
Rowing under the stars
What big fish will be keeping Project Empower company? The biggest fish in the ocean is the whale shark and the great white shark likes big open water
How deep is the Atlantic Ocean? The Atlantic Ocean has an average depth (with its seas) of 11,962 feet (3,646 metres) and a maximum depth of 27,493 feet (8,380 metres).
Throughout history, mariners have used many different techniques to navigate the ocean using stars. The North Star, also called Polaris, does not change position in the sky.  Seafarers can easily find true north by locating the North Star.