By Sean Murphy
THE mum braving the wild Atlantic way from the Canaries to the Caribbean in a rowing boat has admitted: “I’m not a seasoned rower”.
Sharon O’Donnell and her sons Evan and Glenn, from Arranmore, are to row nearly 5,000 kms over eight weeks in a challenge dubbed the “World’s Toughest” to raise money for the RNLI.
They are taking lessons in ocean rowing – including offshore and in the dark – to prepare for the gruelling two-month epic task of rowing in the open seas with six-metre high waves.
As a measure of scale, the Polestar Roundabout in Letterkenny is 12 metres high.
Sharon told the Donegal News that her biggest concern is getting an injury at sea.
She said: “The row is constantly demanding.
“We will have to keep the boat moving in the right direction at all times, this means that we have to rotate shifts of rowing and sleeping 247.
“We are not at all seasoned rowers, apart for the odd rowing regatta on the island.”
They are to row 4,828 kms from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua in the Caribbean, a journey that Sharon estimates could take between up to 60 days.
The O’Donnell family from Arranmore will sail for nearly 5,000 kms across the Atlantic.
Arranmore RNLI volunteer Sharon added: “Training is extensive, mandatory courses are required from navigation, sea survival, first aid at sea, VHF radio and an ocean rowing course.
“Along with this we have a minimum of 120 hours to complete at sea as part of our training requirements, including offshore and in darkness.
“Fears not so much, but nervous excitement is kicking in.
“Personally, my biggest worry is of sustaining a serious injury at sea. However, our training and preparation will hopefully reduce the risk.”
The family trio launched their campaign last Thursday at Arranmore lifeboat station as Team Trasna na dTonnta.
They revealed that their Irish name, Trasna na dTonnta, means “across the waves” and reflects their Arranmore roots, Irish identity, and lifelong connection with the sea.
Sharon O’Donnell is leading her two sons in an pic Atlantic row for the RNLI.
Sharon said: “The sea has always been part of our lives. Living on Arranmore, you understand very quickly that the ocean can be both beautiful and unforgiving.
“The RNLI is a huge part of our coastal community, and for us this challenge is a way of supporting our crew’s while taking on an incredible adventure together as a family.
“Growing up surrounded by the Atlantic, we understand both the beauty and the power of the sea, and the importance of having trained volunteers ready to respond when lives are at risk.”
The World’s Toughest Row is annual international event and begins in December, so the O’Donnell will miss Christmas on Arranmore this year.
Some 41 entries are due to set sail on December 12.
Sharon said she was intending to the row as a solo effort, but when she announced her plan to the family at Christmas, her sons decided they would do it with her
A spokesperson for the World’s Toughest Row said: “The waves that the rowers experience can measure up to 20ft high [six metres].
“Each rower is expected to use 800 sheets of toilet paper during their crossing.
“There is no toilet on board, so rowers use a bucket.
“Rowers burn in excess of 5,000 calories per day. The average rower loses around 8kg during a crossing.
“Crews will experience a range of temperatures, from as low as 10C during the night shifts at the start to well in to the 30s with added humidity as they approach the finish.”