Pacific rowers head for Hawai’i

The Great Pacific Race, a rowing competition where 13 crews in seven-metre boats row more than 3400 kilometres from Monterey, California, across the Pacific to Waikiki, Hawai’i, began on Monday.

The journey is part of what is called the world’s first rowing race across the Pacific – but it was delayed for two days due to gusty winds on Saturday.

There are solo crews, doubles, and teams of four that mix men and women and people of all ages. Weather permitting and depending on the crew’s size, the fastest trip could take 30 to 40 days – others could take as long as three months.

The oldest rower is Jim Bauer, 65, from San Diego.

“I’m just excited to honour my existence by doing something extraordinary,” he said.

The race’s director, Chris Martin, of London said the competitors range from self-employed pool cleaners to accountants to “real high-end endurance athletes”.

Martin said there are no engines, motors, not even sails.

“Every inch that the boat moves towards Hawai’i is just down to the muscle of the crew,” he said.

As far as any prize goes, the competitors will have to settle for pride and a trophy since there is no cash prize.

There is a dedicated website with updates and a tracking map following the progress of the race at www.greatpacificrace.com.