Indian Ocean Rowing Race 2009

The entry list for the Indian race is filling fast. The first ever ocean rowing race in the Southern Hemisphere has captured peoples imaginations around the World. Rarely is there the opportunity to compete in a first but this is your chance.

The race starts in Geraldton, Western Australia and forms part of a week of maritime celebrations. The local fishing fleet will escort the rowing boats away from the coastline and past a reef system some 60 miles off shore. The route will take teams over 3000 nautical miles across the Indian Ocean to the paradise island of Mauritius.

Teams from all over the World will compete on equal terms in solo, pair and four person teams. To ensure safety solo entrants will compete in Woodvale Solo class boats. To maintain the re-sale value of the Woodvale Pairs class boats - this well proven design will be incorporated to establish the racing pairs class. The Woodvale Fours composite boat will be the chosen design for the larger class of boat.

The start of the race is planned for April 2009 to miss the cyclone season that ends in between February and March. Fours teams should complete the crossing in around 60 days and pairs should be completed in around 80 days.

As ocean rowing races have proven in the past - the speed of crossing could increase dramatically as soon as teams are pitched in race classes against each other.

The weather won't be the same as the constant trade conditions of the mid-Atlantic. Teams will have to row every mile with a lower amount of support from both wind and currents. The temperatures will be high - especially close to Australia but then should cool as the race unfolds.

There is far less shipping in the Indian Ocean than in the Atlantic. There is less polution and the wildlife is simply out of this World! Sharks, whales and dolphins will be common sight. Birdlife is ever present, shoals of fish will follow the boats, and the night time sky will be breathtaking.



The Indian Ocean Rowing Race will be the adventure of a lifetime. This is your chance to set the standard for others to follow...


Click here to find out more about Simon Chalks row across the Indian Ocean in 2003