We recently reported that local resident and owner of Rowing Adventure, Kirsty Melin was embarking on an amazing challenge at the beginning of March 2025. The aim was to row 1000km in a team from the Turks and Caicos Islands to Miami USA.
At the same time, Kirsty was looking to raise funds for Milford on Sea based charity, Olivia Inspires.
To read the original article, please click here.
Well, things didn't go to plan, as Kirsty herself explained on the 10th March 2025:
We are stranded in remote Inagua, Bahamas with nothing but my rowing kit! Our (planned) adventure is unfortunately over.
A 7m rogue wave flooded all hatches and cabins with me, resting in the ‘coffin’ (berth under the deck in the hull) suddenly splashing around and needing to pump furiously…not knowing for how long and why.
Para anchor, May Day, EPIRB deployed at 17.30 and we were finally rescued at 01.45.
Reunited 2 days later with Skipper; Lasse and Co- Skipper; James who had an eventful tow to safety. I lost various items to the Caribbean Sea but have gained so much.
 |
| Kirsty Melin and Rowing Crew After dramatic rescue |
----------------------
Rannoch Adventures Official statement:
Bahamas and Beyond: A True Adventure Tale!
Our Bahamas and Beyond expedition has certainly delivered an unforgettable adventure! The Roxy crew faced some very challenging weather. All ten crew members were safely evacuated to Inagua Island by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, while our skipper and co-skipper ensured Roxy was safely towed to Crooked Island Marina and Lodge. As always, crew safety was our absolute priority.
The entire crew were reunited in the beautiful Exumas, safe, sound, and brimming with incredible stories!
Rannoch is incredibly proud of the crew's resilience, professionalism, and teamwork. They faced a complex situation with remarkable composure and adaptability. What a testament to their spirit!
We're already looking forward to welcoming this fantastic crew back for more adventures in the future! What a story they will have to tell!
To support Kirsty and Olivia Inspires, please click here.
-----------------------
About Olivia Inspires
They do this by making grants of money, normally no more than £500, to provide items or services to enable them to achieve their potential in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), the arts and sport.
The charity was founded by Milford on Sea resident Nigel Burt and his wife Paula, in memory of their daughter Olivia, who was sadly lost in tragic circumstances.
Olivia Inspires
-----------------------
About Rowing Adventures
Kirsty Melin founded Rowing Adventures Ltd in 2020 to encourage a new wave of rowers, from the age of 8+, to enjoy learning, exploring and competing in this popular sport.
The organisation's aim is to make coastal rowing available to all ages and abilities, and to provide safe, fun access to the Solent and beyond. They deliver a progressive ‘Learn’ coaching programme using a range of stable, single sculls appropriate for relaxed skill development.
They also offer a coastal 'Explore' programme for both novice and seasoned rowers to access our incredible rich coastline.
As a result, over 550 new rowers are now afloat on rivers, lakes, seas and oceans.
Kirsty has rowed at Lymington ARC since 2011.
In 2024, she completed her Co-Skipper qualifications and rowed the Caledonian Canal. Later that year, she returned to Scotland to race in the 'Monster the Loch' a 33km row from Dores Beach to St Augustus.
In March 2025, Kirsty's took on the challenge to row 1000km from the Turks and Caicos Islands to Miami in a team of 12 international rowers. The challenge was underway, and then ended abruptly, when a 7m rogue wave flooded all hatches and cabins. A Mayday and safe rescue after 8 hours followed and the crew were safely evacuated to Inagua Island by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force.
-------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please Note: Your comment will be approved by the administrator before publication. This could take 24 to 48 hours. Thank you.