ROSSITER AVALON ‘ROWING FOR ELEPHANTS’ REACHES SEYCHELLES AFTER 57 DAYS
(Posted 11th August 2014)
Largely unnoticed by the elephant lobby in Eastern Africa have 7 crew members crossed the Indian Ocean between Australia and the Seychelles, after rowing nonstop for 57 days. The crew comprising one woman and six men on the ‘Rossiter Avalon’ undertook their epic journey in support of elephant conservation, dubbed ‘Rowing for Elephants’, come from as far as Australia, Britain, Iceland and South Africa.
In the process of the journey did the seven set two new world records when they finally arrived at Port Victoria on the main island of Mahe, for the fastest ocean crossing of such a rowing boat and the longest such rowing journey undertaken covering some 4.500 nautical miles.
They left the Australian port of Geraldton on the 11th of June and entered port in the Seychelles on 07th of August just before 7 p.m. to a rousing welcome.
It could not be established how much money was raised towards elephant conservation but is thought to be a very substantial amount now going to the ‘Save the Elephant’ organization.
The Seychelles’ were chosen as the destination for this particular journey for the archipelago’s appeal – heads always turn when the name Seychelles is mentioned – and the location which allowed for the new records to be accomplished.
