6:17 AM Sat 6 Dec 2008 GMT
 | | 'Maluka of Kermandie and Noakes Youth off the Sydney Opera House (Photo: Christophe Launay)'
Noakes Youth |
Their first extended ocean row proved a steep learning curve for young adventurers Clark Carter and Ryan Storey who arrived into Sydney Harbour this afternoon following their 90 nautical mile row from Newcastle Harbour.
'It was a big wake up call. We realise now how much more time we have to put into getting ready for next year's Indian Ocean Rowing Race,' admitted Storey.
Dolphins and a shark fin were the only signs of sea life as Carter and Storey nibbled their way through dried fruit, chocolate, nuts and mum's homemade sandwiches, and tried to see the humour in what they were doing when the muscles started to ache.
'I've never heard Clark talk so much...I think he was talking his way through the pain,' laughed Storey.
The only Australian pairs class entry for next year's 3,100 nautical mile row from Geraldton in Western Australian to Mauritius might not have a rowing or sailing background but they have a taste for extreme adventure and bucket loads of enthusiasm, and they are prepared to learn.
Having had just three hours sleep each over the course of their 25 hour row, the pair was still able to focus on their mentor and principle sponsor's words once they stepped ashore, albeit with wobbly sea legs. Sean Langman accompanied Carter and Storey from Newcastle to Sydney overnight, using the opportunity to complete his Rolex Sydney Hobart qualifying sail aboard his gaff-rigged Maluka of Kermandie, the smallest and oldest boat in this year's fleet.
Over a well-earned beer this afternoon Langman spoke to the two 24 year-olds about harnessing the power of the wind and waves, and with 16 Rolex Sydney Hobart races to his name, he's more than qualified to instruct his prot?g?s.
'I'm happy to be backing them in their endeavour, they've got plenty of ticker in them and they are good ambassadors for the Noakes Youth program,' said an equally exhausted Langman this afternoon.
Langman sailed in the vicinity of the Noakes Youth row boat into the early part of the night then cut them loose, believing it was better they weren't dependent on a support vessel. Langman stayed in touch with the pair via radio during the night, getting them to report their position regularly and running through a few navigational exercises with them until the two vessels rendezvoused off Barrenjoey Headland this morning.
Prior to the 25 hour row which finished today at Noakes at Berry's Bay, Carter and Storey had only rowed off Newcastle Heads for a couple of hours in their purpose-built, bright orange 7.1m row boat which they describe as a 'cork' when its out in the open sea.
The pair left Newcastle Harbour at 11.30am yesterday morning and following a seven-hour row they began to experiment with their shift system. In cramped quarters, particularly for Carter who stands at six foot two inches, they took turns sleeping for 45 minutes then rowing for an hour and a half. They were unanimous that this watch system was not the way to go and will instead aim for a one-to-one ratio for their next sea trial.
With enough supplies to be self sufficient for 100 days, Carter and Storey will set off from Geraldton on Sunday 19th April 2009 with other competing teams from around the world for the inaugural Indian Ocean Rowing Race.
Clark Carter and Ryan Storey & their Indian Ocean Rowing Race entry www.rowtheindian.com
Noakes Youth program www.noakesyouth.com.au
Woodvale Challenge www.woodvalechallenge.com
by Lisa Ratcliff occ.net.au
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