Adaptive rower Madsen in Atlantic rowing race

There is always a fascinating story behind the entrants in the Atlantic Rowing Race and 2007 is no exception. Amongst the 22 boats that started out on 2 December is the duo of Angela Madsen (USA) and Franck Festor (FRA).
Like all of those entered in this extreme rowing race, Madsen and Festor will face tough times as they take on the 4,727km of ocean to get from La Gomera, Canary Islands, to the other side of the Atlantic Ocean at English Harbour, Antigua. Unlike all of those entered Madsen will row solely with her arms and upper body; Festor will have no use of one of his legs: Madsen has spinal cord injuries and rows solely with her arms and upper body and Festor is an amputee.

Being differently abled has not hindered the duo’s progress so far. Currently Madsen and Festor sit in ninth position of the 14 doubles entered and they are twelfth overall.

The racing began in La Gomera, Canary Islands under what race organisers Woodvale described as perfect conditions. For the first week winds have remained from the east helping push the rowers towards the Antigua finish line. But Woodvale describes the seas as “confused and sloppy” making it difficult for the boats to hold their course. Already two boats have broken their rudders.

This kind of race is a challenge even for the fittest and the most prepared. In 2005 Olympic gold medallist James Cracknell completed it with partner, Ben Fogle in 49 days while fellow rowing Olympian Gearoid Towey did not finish after capsizing. The 2005 race experienced harsh weather that saw six of the boats force to retire after capsizing.

But very little stops Madsen and when the opportunity arose to do the Atlantic Rowing Race, Madsen put herself forward. Partnering up with Festor, the duo started to prepare for the event one year ago.

Coming from different countries meant much of their preparation was done separately. “When I am home, I go to the gym for two hours then on the indoor rowing machine for two hours, five days per week. I am on the water three days per week,” Madsen described earlier this year. Madsen said they hoped to do the race in less than 50 days. The current record (for able bodied) is 40 days and most rowers take about 55.

Madsen has been part of competitive adaptive rowing ever since it was introduced at the 2002 World Rowing Championships. That year the fledgling event meant that Madsen had to race in the men’s arms only single event. It didn’t stop her.

After this adventure is over Madsen will continue her preparation for the 2008 Paralympic Games where she has qualified for the United States in the Trunk and arms mixed double (TA2x) with long time rowing partner Scott Brown.

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