Preparations for Angela’s departure – Rowing From Santa Cruz to Hawaii

Posted on by
Updated: 27/08/2013

After encountering horrific weather conditions early in the row Angela had to abort this attempt at a solo crossing. She was rescued safely and her boat 'Spirit of Orlando' was also recovered successfully. Angela got a bit bruised and battered during her time at sea and will be having knee surgery soon to fix the damage done. We wish her a speedy recovery and calm seas in the future.

Angela Madsen, Ocean Rower and Paralympian, will be setting off tomorrow Saturday 8th June from Santa Cruz on her solo row to Hawaii.

Last minute preparations are underway and her boat ‘The Spirit of Orlando’ is loaded and ready to be put in the Ocean at Santa Cruz.

Her boat, named as a tribute to my son, Orlando Rogers, bears poignant photos of Orlando and pictures of numerous American servicemen and women who have tragically lost their lives in military conflict. These fallen heroes are being honoured by Angela who is doing this challenge as a military and veteran tribute row.  See her website and follow her progress at www.rowoflife.com

Orlando had planned to be here and project manage this adventure for Angela whom he met in 2007 when both rowed the Atlantic Ocean.  His untimely death and physical absence deprives all of the joy of his presence and  radiant personality, and yet, the effect and legacy of his being clearly remains with people. He continues to inspire people to achieve things beyond their usual comfort zone, to challenge themselves to take on life by the horns, always to the benefit and encouragement of others.

For fellow extraordinary adventurer Angela, this will be her first solo row.   This row will be without the security of any support vessels.  Just Angela, Spirit of Orlando’ and a lot of hard work and an awful lot of Pacific Ocean.

If you would like to support or follow Angela in this daring mission to commemorate fallen military veterans and Orlando then please see her website or the website for Orlando’s charity at www.orlandorogersfoundation.com

Local News Articles Published:

UPDATE ON ANGELA MADSEN

Angela set off on her solo Military and Veteran Tribute Row  from Santa Cruz to Hawaii on the 9th June. After battling seriously adverse weather conditions and rough seas she was rescued just over a week later.  Her boat ‘Spirit of Orlando’ was left adrift in the Pacific.

The good news is that Angela is fine.  She had some nasty bruising and a knee injury from which she has now recovered.  We’ve just heard that the boat has been discovered about 80km off Los Angeles by a fishing crew. Angela is now headed to see if the boat can be fully rescued and if so to then find out  what condition it’s in.

Angela was raising funds for Military and Veterans and Orlando Rogers Foundation.  Knowing Angela we expect she will have another attempt at this solo row in due course.  We’ll keep you posted.

CyberChimps