Faroe rowers in Orkney due to weather
(Picture: Craig Taylor)
A team of Faroese rowers who had set out to row between Scrabster and the Faroe Islands are resting in Stromness today, after arriving in Orkney yesterday, as a result of their voyage being disrupted by poor weather.
The 10 man crew are being led by highly experienced open ocean rower Livar Nysted, who explained that others on board are taking part in the 260 mile charity rowing event for the very first time.
Mr Nysted, who has taken part in many epic rowing events in the past, including crossing the Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean, said that on this occasion the rowers had simply “ran out of luck” due to the weather, but added that everyone on board was fine and enjoying themselves.
He said that after spending a day or two in Orkney they would be looking for a weather window to continue the voyage.
They originally set off from Scrabster on Saturday, heading for Tórshavn, however just over two days in to the row the head winds forced the crew to deploy their sea anchor. The sea anchor is basically an underwater parachute which picks up the current and helps the boat stay in line with the direction of the waves.
For the next two days, as it was proving difficult to make headway in the winds and heavy swell, the crew decided to set course for Stromness, despite at one point only being around 100 miles from Faroe.
The rowers on board the boat, named Avalon, rowed through Hoy Sound yesterday afternoon, and were then assisted into Stromness harbour by local charter boat Capella, who towed them alongside Stromness Marina.
On arrival, the crew were welcomed to Orkney by Brian Archibald, harbourmaster and head of OIC Marine Services.
The 45 foot long Avalon, is owned and operated by Ocean Row Events, based in Aberdeenshire, who operate the business in a quest to break records and raise money for good causes.
The row is a charity event, and money can be donated online by following the link:Â http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/oceanrowevents