Posted on Friday, July 30, 2010 by Martin Cox
Courtesy Cunard Line
QUEEN MARY 2 navigated a mid-Atlantic rendezvous with the rowing team for ‘Artemis Investments’ as they attempt to break the 114-year old world record, set back in 1896, by rowing from New York to England. The 23-foot, purpose-built rowing boat with its four-man crew departed New York on June 17. “It was a thrilling moment to witness this one-of-a-kind encounter at sea, not only for me and the crew, but for all our guests aboard Queen Mary 2,” said Captain Nick Bates. “We wish the Artemis team good luck and Godspeed as they continue the quest for their world record-breaking journey.” The Artemis Investments team are embarking on an epic row from New York to Falmouth, and attempting it in under 55 days. This Record for a crossing of the North Atlantic Ocean in a rowing boat was set in 1896 by two Norwegians, George Harbo and Frank Samuelsen who rowed an 18’ open skiff ‘The FOX’ from New York to Bishops Rock in 55 days and 7 hours. Many attempts have been made to break this record but none have succeeded. Benjamin S. Lyons adds that one of the four rowers, Ray Carroll, used to work on QM2 as an engineer. MartimeMatters wishes them every success!
Mage Bailey
July 31, 2010 at 6:48 pm
Thank you so much for this, and please keep us updated.
Corey
August 1, 2010 at 5:21 pm
Having four crewmembers isn’t fair because the old record had two crew and a five foot smaller boat.
David
August 5, 2010 at 10:34 am
the photo looks as if the “QUEEN MARY” IS about to plow it over !
Peter McClung
August 9, 2010 at 1:24 pm
We had the pleasure of being onboard the QM2 for the “get-together” and it was one of the highlights of our trip. We virtually stopped about 1/2 mile out and crept up on them. The fog was socked in for the higher decks, so the Captain had difficulty seeing the craft, but sent out a “rescue boat” to find them to ensure that we didn’t get right on top of them. After much clapping, cheering, and a few Hip, Hip, Hooray’s we were on our way again.