Atlantic rower Rachel heads for dry land

8:16am Wednesday 6th February 2008

Comments (1)   Have your say »

RACHEL Flanders, the teenager rowing the Atlantic, is approaching dry land after two months at sea.

The 17-year-old, from Heaton, is taking part in the Woodvale Atlantic rowing race as part of a four-woman crew, the "Atlantic Angels."

The Angels set off from La Gomera in the Canary Islands on December 2 and are due to arrive in Antigua next week.

Despite being on only half rations after they lost approximately 10 days worth of food when one of the boat's compartments flooded, the crew is picking up speed and have overtaken three competitors in the past week.

They have approximately 400 miles to go.

Rachel's dad, Richard, said his daughter, a Bolton School pupil, is looking forward to reaching Antigua.

He said: "She's very excited about finishing but is also getting very impatient. She just wants to get there now.

"I'm looking forward to having her back home."

The girls had hoped to reach Antiqua on January 31 and so beat the all-female record for the race.

However, if they complete the race, Rachel will be the youngest successful competitor.

The team is aiming to raise £250,000 for three cancer charities.

To sponsor the crew visit www.atlantic-angels.co.uk and click on "getting involved."