It may seem obvious, but the weather will play a key roll in the success of Pink Lady Atlantic First. The crew will rely heavily on their support team to keep them up to date with forthcoming weather conditions.

It was also important to have a good idea of what the weather may do before they set out. A climatology study, undertaken by weather router Lee Bruce, pinpointed the optimum rowing conditions for the route, taking into account the safety of the crew. While the summer months are the best for rowing across the Atlantic, fog, ships and stormy weather are still potential hazards for the team. And, while June and July offer the optimum conditions for the attempt, there is a very narrow weather window.

The Grand Banks, the Labrador Current and the ice floes will work against the team, pushing them south and even back towards the North American coast. This is why the first week of rowing is the most crucial, and the crew must work extremely hard to break away and reach the Gulf Stream, which will help to carry them home.

Once in the Gulf Stream, seas will still average between seven and ten feet, but the waves should at least be moving in the right direction. More>>