The Expedition

Paul’s row, nicknamed Project Bigwater, will begin in the Canary Islands in early December, 2008. With only oars to power him, he’ll set off from Africa to South America, crossing the whole of the Atlantic Ocean. Along the way he’ll row 2,950 nautical miles and spend between 60 and 80 days and nights at sea, landing in the Caribbean in February, 2009. While at sea, Paul will sleep in an enclosed cabin not much bigger than himself, and row 10-12 hours each day.  Though Paul will be in contact with a land-based support team via satellite phone, he’ll be entirely alone on the open ocean with no chase boat or means of resupply. Paul’s journey will be truly solo and unassisted.

The row is an opportunity for Paul to make a significant contribution to cancer research in memory of his mother.

The Basics:

- Departing in December will help to ensure the best possible weather in the Atlantic, though thirty-foot waves and gales of up to 50 knots have been reported on this route in recent years.

- Paul will rely on solar power for critical navigation and communication systems, as well an electric water desalinator for purifying drinking water.

About the Boat:

- The boat is a state-of-the-art, custom-built fiberglass composite craft, dubbed Liv, Norwegian for “Life” (and old Norse for “protection” and “defense”).

- Liv is the cutting-edge product of a unique collaboration between the accomplished British ocean rowboat designer Phil Morrison and the world-class Rhode Island boat builders Aquidneck Custom.

 

- Liv has been built specifically for Paul Ridley and represents the latest in ocean rowboat design:
Concept: Minimal accommodations for a single rower
Length: 19 feet, 4 inches
Width: 5 feet, 4 inches (at the widest point)
Weight (before provisions): 400 lbs
Materials: Marine closed-cell foam core (Nomex), s-type fiberglass

View Frequently-asked Questions

 

 

 

 Paul Ridley's 2008 Trans-Atlantic Expedition blog:

 

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