Maltese solo rower ‘disappointed’ as Atlantic challenge delayed by bad weather

An adventurer aiming to become the first Maltese to row solo across the Atlantic spoke of his “disappointment” on Thursday after the start of the World’s Toughest Row was postponed due to severe weather conditions.

Speaking to Times of Malta from La Gomera in the Canary Islands, Steve Chetcuti commended the race organisers for taking “the right decision” to delay the start of the race which was due to set off on Thursday.

The 55-year old man, who now lives in Switzerland, is one of 43 boats participating in the event. Only 10 participating boats are rowing solo. He expects to complete the gruelling 4,800km journey from La Gomera to English Harbour in Antigua in around 50 to 60 days. All participants row unsupported.

Speaking of the decision to delay the departure, Chetcuti said it was “a bit of an anti-climax” but agreed it was “the right decision, so I’m fine with it.”.

“We are meant to be getting ready to leave but winds of more than 40 knots (80-90km/hr) are coming especially tomorrow and during the night with six metre high waves expected every nine seconds. A public announcement was made advising people not to go out and the organisers felt duty bound to ensure people do not go out,” Chetcuti said.

“We were all mentally ready to leave. The adrenaline was high. We are now disappointed and some participants are ‘angry’ but generally the feeling is positive. We all understand that you have to take tough decisions. It’s Mother Nature, and she decides when it’s time to go.”

Steve Chetcuti's Rannoch 25 rowing boat is named Kamila after his three daughters and is accessorised with the Eye of Osiris typically found on the Maltese dgħajsa . Photo: World's Toughest Row

The race is now expected to set off either Sunday afternoon or Monday morning.

He revealed he was informed of the postponement via the race’s official messaging system just as he was walking to the ferry to meet his wife Desiree who had come to the Canary Islands to witness the departure.

Chetcuti will be rowing in a 7.3m long Rannoch 25 boat named Kamila after his three daughters, Kim, Mia and Lea. The boat is just 1.7m wide and has two cabins either end. Every corner is packed with food to sustain Chetcuti on his journey, including portions of jam and 250 Corny protein bars from the Swiss manufacturer Hero where he works as Corporate Communications Director. He is also carrying plenty of ginger, tangerines and oranges which will help him combat seasickness.

He is now looking forward to setting off on Sunday once the storm has abated. “It will be good to set sail. I have other deadlines I need to follow as I need to get back to work.”

But his primary concern at this point is to navigate the start without incident. “I am nervous about the departure. I do not want to mess it up because there will be a lot of people watching and it’s a very narrow turn in the port. Once I’m out in the open sea, I can start relaxing and get settled into my routine.”

He expects to row for around 13 to 16 hours a day.

Chetcuti, who has already rowed across the Atlantic in 2021 as part of a five-person team, is dedicating this event to raising awareness about loneliness which affects more than half of Malta’s population. He is also supporting the musical theatre group Margerita, which raises funds for charitable causes including Hospice Malta.

The World’s Toughest Row website will livestream the start, and each participant’s journey can be followed online via the site or through the YB Races app.

Chetcuti, who is affiliated with the Siggiewi Rowing Club, will have internet on board and is expected to post occasional updates on his Instagram account.