Donegal family undertakes a 700-mile row around Ireland
The mother and her two sons are undertaking the 700-mile row in preparation for a 3,000 mile row in December
A Donegal family are currently undertaking a 700-mile row around Ireland.
Sharon and her sons Evan and Glenn O’Donnell departed Arranmore on Wednesday, August 26, on their anti-clockwise trip around Ireland. They can be tracked along their travels via Marine Traffic by searching the vessel “Winnie May”.
The trio, going under the name Trasna na dTonnta, are preparing to undertake the World’s Toughest Row in December. The challenge consists of a 3,000-mile or 4,800km journey across the Atlantic Ocean from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua and Barbuda in the Caribbean.
“We began what we hope will be a complete loop of the country,” Tras na dTonnta shared. “That’s a mammoth row and an important part of our Atlantic Ocean crossing this December. Thankfully, so far we have had the sea wind behind us and have settled into life on the water.”
As fewer than 2,000 people have completed The World’s Toughest Row worldwide, they have been preparing since the beginning of the year. During the challenge, they will row continuously for around 40-60 days across the Atlantic Ocean, facing isolation.
Growing up on Arranmore Island, the sea has always been central to their lives. Evan grew up fishing and Glenn has always enjoyed being active, so when the opportunity arose, the two were more than happy to join. Both Sharon and Evan volunteer as crew with the RNLI All-weather lifeboat.
A fundraiser has been established to cover the costs associated with getting to La Gomera and the equipment and supplies needed. A separate fundraiser was established to benefit Arranmore Lifeboat Station, where all charitable donations will go.
If you would like to donate, help us get to the start line of the World's Toughest Row and Trasna-na-dTonnta Trans-Atlantic Row in aid of the RNLI.