INDIAN OCEAN ROWERS: Blog 3 from the open seas

Spotting an Albatross

Thrill-seeking adventurers Jamie Facer-Childs and James Thysee have had another eventful week at sea as part of their mission to become the youngest pair to row across the Indian Ocean.

On day 66 of their challenge, the friends beat their own record by rowing 85 miles (74 nautical miles) in one day!

The achievement came on Tuesday, just days after the friends from Maidenhead and Lower Earley, capsized.

On Sunday, the pair who met at Reading Blue Coat School saw an albatross. Jamie's father Roy, said in his blog: "Once again the boys inform me of their sense of wonder, this time at seeing this amazing and graceful bird.

"And with no cross bow to spoil the show, we can hope that its traditional role as the harbinger of good luck will/is being fulfilled." 

Two other teams taking part in the Indian Ocean Rowing Race 2009, have already reached the finishing line in Mauritius. Five teams have retired from the race.

Jamie and James, whose team name is Southern Cross, are now one of four teams left in the race.
They have rowed about 2,129 nautical miles from Geraldton, Western Australia, and are now only 1,009 nautical miles from Mauritius. 

Keep up to date with their progress with our blog.