AMERICAN EXPLORER PREPARES TO ROW SOLO ACROSS THE NORTH ATLANTIC FROM U.S.A. TO EUROPE Released by: Ocean Row Solo.com Web Site: http://www.oceanrowsolo.com American explorer Wave Vidmar prepares to row solo across the north Atlantic from USA to Europe Email: wave@northpolesolo.com Keywords: ocean rowing, expeditions, North Atlantic, composites, row boat, Update Date: 2/16/2006 4:27:02 AM Hits: 269 Descrption:  Wave Vidmar, 41, is preparing for his solo/unsupported ocean row from the United States to Europe. Starting in early June 2006 (dependant upon weather) Vidmar will launch from Cape Cod, Chatham, Mass, USA, W-E, in a custom 24-foot row boat. He hopes to end his row in England, but could land anywhere from Ireland to Spain. When Vidmar reaches Europe, he will become the first American to complete this route. The seasoned explorer expects the historic row to take between 2-5 months, cover 3,700+ miles, battling waves up to 60 feet tall, remnant storms from hurricanes further south, dodging cargo and tanker ships, whales, and sharks – all alone, and with no sails, motor, or other propulsion – just his muscles and oars. Only four other people have rowed solo/unsupported across the mighty north Atlantic from USA to Europe. The only other American to attempt this route was lost at sea just 230 miles off the coast of Ireland. Considered one of the most challenging of ocean rows, Vidmar has been preparing for the expedition for over 2 years. The explorer has helped design his own, all-composite ocean row boat. According to yacht designer Doug Frolich of Marshall Yacht Design, Vidmar “would have to work very hard to sink this boat”. But they dare not call it ‘unsinkable’, remembering the Titanic…. The boat is constructed of carbon fiber, foam, and Kevlar. “Every system on the boat has backups and redundant systems”, says Vidmar. “I researched all of the previous ocean rows, paying special attention to problems other rowers have had, and have worked hard to mitigate any of those potential problems for my own row. I don’t have a death wish, safety is paramount”. He will have onboard a life raft, several EPIRB emergency beacons, survival immersion suit, and life jackets,. He expects to be capsized at least a dozen times, and may even be ‘pitch-poled’ (where the boat is tossed end-over-end). In the event of a capsize, his boat has been designed to be self-righting. Vidmar plans to take enough food to last 180 days. Power will be supplied by two types of solar panels storing energy in gel-cell batteries. Water is made using a reverse osmosis desalinator. Navigation will be by compass and GPS, along with digital charts on computer. He’ll utilize satellite phones for communications, and will be able to update his website, send and receive emails, and receive weather information. Marine life Vidmar can expect to encounter include endangered Right whales, marine birds, flying fish, and Atlantic white sharks. When asked why he would attempt such a risky adventure, Vidmar states “It’s the challenge I pursue and thrive on”. Indeed, Vidmar was the first American to attempt a solo/unsupported expedition to the North Pole in 2004. Those interested will be able to track Vidmar’s progress via the internet at his expedition website (www.oceanrowsolo).