Note from Greg Spooner: "Ed - We're erging for the duration of the Seattle Boat Show to promote ourselves and continue building our sponsor base - oh the pain. We keep getting days of the show cut off because the Seahawks are kicking ass for the first time in ages, but we're trying to accumulate 2,000 miles - a trip to Chicago."
SEATTLE (12/29/05) - Seattle-based ocean rowing team Ocean Adventure Racing (OAR) Northwest is rowing to Chicago. During the 9-day Seattle Boat Show, the four-member team will row non-stop for 2,000 miles on an indoor rowing machine alongside their boat. For most nonrowers, 20 minutes on these machines is enough. For OAR Northwest, this is simply part of the long list of preparations for the June rowing race across the Atlantic Ocean.
This June, OAR Northwest is representing the Northwest and the United States in the Shepherd Ocean Fours Rowing Race 2006, crossing the North-Atlantic from New York to England. Their 29-foot ocean rowing boat is the first and only vessel of its kind in North America and will be on display during the show. "We want to make it clear that we are committed to winning this race. There have been 4 ocean rowing races, 2 American entries, and no top-tier finishes. We are looking for local businesses willing to go the distance with us," said team captain Jordan Hanssen. Continuing preparations include obtaining funding and sponsorship for the $300,000 race price tag.
The Seattle Boat Show runs January 6th-14th at Qwest Field Events Center. The 9-day event is the largest boat show on the west coast and offers the largest-ever selection of watercraft for fishing, cruising and family fun. Visit www.seattleboatshow.com for details. To learn about OAR Northwest, the race, and our chosen charity, visit www.OARnorthwest.com.