Team Pura Vida - 2007 Atlantic Rowing Race

THE ROUTINE

The boat will be home to the boys for up to two months.

Survival in such cramped conditions will require good preparation and a strong working routine once the race is under way. The team are currently planning a system whereby the boys will row in pairs for consecutive shifts of two hours during the day, before switching to four hour shifts at night.

When not on the oars, the boys will take the opportunity to carry out any necessary repairs to the boat and equipment, eat (mainly freeze-dried ration packs) and catch up on much-needed sleep.

It is possible that the crew may encounter sea conditions or weather which make rowing impossible. In such circumstances, the crew will set up a sea-anchor, seal themselves in the watertight cabins and allow the boat to drift until conditions improve.

While on the oars, the boys will have to rely on the scenery, their ipods and each other to keep themselves entertained. Tom has already decided that he will use the race as an opportunity to get through his remaining collection of "Hardy Boys" audiotapes.