Bexhill rowers lead ocean race

180 miles ahead of the nearest boat - this has been another incredible week for the Row4Charity boys at the head of the Indian Ocean Rowing Race 2009.

Their closest rival is Pura Vida and so far the Bexhill team remains "very upbeat" and confident at the front of the field.

Having taken a more northerly course than the other boats they put in early effort which now is paying dividends, and as the weather becomes changeable they face rowing into a mild headwind while the others stay anchored or are blown backwards by a near gale, which will open the lead even further.

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A key part of Bexhill Trust Challenger's success has been the direction of Andy Bristow who has been advising the team on the best route through weather patterns and sea currents, and has helped them to the front of the fleet now past the halfway stage.

Andy is no stranger to the oceans - he competed in the 1989 Whitbread Round the World Race, has skippered an expedition yacht from UK to the Antarctic and back, and is the proud owner of his own boat that he purchased in Hawaii and sailed back to the UK.

Over the weekend Andy contacted friends and family back home and said: "I spoke to the boys this morning and informed them that at the position they are now at, they now officially have less far to go than they have already rowed. They are therefore over halfway.

"I also reminded them of the good prospects for the days ahead - a following wind and helpful current for the foreseeable future, albeit the wind will be a little stronger than perfect for the first day or two.

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"Not so good prospects for the other boats over the days ahead.

"We must not get complacent but I think they deserve a really big pat on the back - and it will be most meaningful coming from you.

"The boys need your support and messages to keep them going. But I have noticed how charitable our supporters' messages on the website have been to other boats as well. The boys deserve to win, for their efforts but for yours too, and rest assured I'll do everything I can to help them do so.

"No guarantees of course and the race ain't over till they've safely landed."

www.row4charity.com

www.indianoceanrowingrace09.com

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