I Really Can Say, "NO!" by Angela

December 16, 2011                                         Angela Madsen www.rowoflife.com

                                       

                                       

  I really can say No!

Many would say that I would never turn down a rowing project but I have indeed done just that. I did consider it for a short time and came to the realization that now is not a good time for me to row across the Atlantic again. A race occurs every 2 years that begins on January 29, 2012 known as THE GUYANA BOUVET 2012. It is a race from Dakar, Senegal, 2600 Nautical miles or 4700 kilometers to Saint Laurent de Maroni, Guyana allowing only solo rowers in identical boats that are 8 meters in length. It takes an estimated 40 to 60 days. Ocean rowing is an open ended sport.  Sta rts could be delayed by weather and you really never know how long it will take to get across. In a single handed or solo boat it could take as much as 60-90 days. Bouvet Guyane 2012

I am chomping at the bit to do a solo row & I like interesting projects. I have never really had the opportunity to row a French ocean rowing boat. One of the entrants broke his arm and an opportunity to take his place presented itself. That is usually how it starts. Between now and January 29 is not enough time to raise funds and find sponsors. I go to Florida for in January to see my father and am scheduled to go to Hawaii in April/May. It would take away from and jeopardize my financial capabilities to do my Trans Pacific solo row.  This will be my first year without a major rowing project since 2006.

I think it is absolutely astonishing that organizers of ocean rowing races invite me to participate. I love it!

So you see I can say no to the row!