30' Trimaran Ocean Rowboat "ORCA"

 

Leaving the Canary Islands

 

 ORCA's first row was an epic race starting on December 15, 2007 and pitting the 4 man team on the 30 foot trimaran against the 14 man team on the famous 52 foot "La Mondiale". The route was from Gran Canaria to Barbados. La Mondiale won the race; but ORCA's time of 36 days 1 hour tied the record for the fastest 4 man time. Enroute ORCA also broke the most miles rowed in 24 hours by any ocean rowboat. Guinness awarded ORCA the first successful ocean crossing by a multihull rowboat.

The team of Roy Finlay, Chris Cuddihy, Denis Richardson, and Ronnie Disiderio also holds the record for the oldest crew of four on an ocean rowboat.

The MULTIHULL ROWBOAT
A new concept in Ocean Rowing

  • Inherent stability of the multihull platform means that the hulls can be slender and easily driven. Length/beam ratios much higher than conventional monohull ocean rowboat.

  • Because rocking is greatly reduced, the rowers efforts are more effective in delivering power to the oar blades. Hands are at even height for a more efficient stroke.

  • Stable and steady on a sea anchor.

  • Hinging Crossbeams

    • allows rowers to adjust ama height with changing load conditions and sea state

    • ability to right boat if capsized

The Expedition 30 was developed as a two person boat to challenge the Transatlantic record set by Harbo & Samuelsen in 1896.

ORCA is using Antrim hull designs but not the articulating crossbeams shown above. Their crossbeams and rudder are designed and conceived by Roy Finlay. The trimaran rowboat concept also came from Roy.

Numerous rowing endeavors have been abandoned after the boat has been rolled repeatedly during a storm. While the monohull itself is still safe the crew is battered and unable to continue.

The Antrim trimaran will offer a more stable, protected, environment during a storm. Capsizing is unlikely. In the event the boat is inverted, the crew can sit out the storm safely inside and right her after the worst weather has past.

4 Rowers to Take on 12 in Trans-Atlantic Race, New York Times, December 2, 2007

 

WVVH-TV Special Report on ORCA Ocean Rowing Challenge

 

Arriving after 36 days at sea