Rowers arrive in Faroe after Orkney diversion
(Picture: Craig Taylor)
The crew of Faroese rowers who rested in Orkney for a few days last week after poor weather forced them to Orkney for shelter, have now completed their voyage home to the Faroe Islands.
The 10 man crew, led by highly experienced open ocean rower Livar Nysted, originally set off from Scrabster on Saturday, July 25, heading for TĂłrshavn, however just over two days in to the row, and despite being over half way home, the head winds forced the crew to deploy their sea anchor.
For the next two days, as it was proving difficult to make headway in the winds and heavy swell, they decided to set course for Stromness, despite at one point only being around 100 miles from Faroe.
As previously reported, rowers onboard the boat, named Avalon, rowed through Hoy Sound last Wednesday afternoon, and were then assisted into Stromness harbour by local charter boat Capella, who towed them alongside Stromness Marina.
After a couple of days rest and awaiting favourable weather conditions, they set off again on Friday afternoon.
Yesterday, Monday, they made it to the Faroe Islands but due to bad weather and strong tides had to be redirected from Tórshavn and were instead towed into harbour at Gamlarætt.
After speaking with the Faroe Islands Prime Minister and the local press, plans were being made to celebrate the voyage with family and friends.
The second leg of the expedition, as with the first leg, is a charity event, and will be the return voyage from TĂłrshavn to Scrabster. This will be led by vastly experienced skipper Leven Brown. A third voyage between Faroe and Scotland is also planned.