Rowing: Mid-ocean sauna for Atlantic crew

Intense thunderstorms are causing headaches for the transatlantic rowing fleet.

New Zealander Steve Westlake, who e-mailed his support crew yesterday, said it had been two days since he and fellow rower Matt Goodman last saw the sun.

"Thunder and lightening has been constant day and night, and the humidity is like a sauna."

He said the thunderstorms could have severe implications because the boats relied on solar panels to generate the power which runs their water-makers.

"If the thunderstorms continue we will have a power crisis. We can't go without the sun for more than two days before we have difficulty producing water."

Westlake said the thunderstorms had also caused "terrific water conditions."

"Waves of all sizes come at you from all directions.

"The boat is often pitching 40 degrees side to side.

"It's not the most comfortable, but I wouldn't want to be anywhere else right now."

After eight days the New Zealanders are second in the 35-boat fleet, behind Australia's Freedom.

They have seen only one sign of life since leaving the Canary Islands, a bird of unknown origin.

The New Zealand women's team of Jude Ellis and Steph Brown are still battling for third spot with the Belgian crew of Alain and Bruno Lewuillon.

The Atlantic Rowing Challenge started off Tenerife on October 7 and finishes at Port St Charles, Barbados.

The fleet have covered nearly 1000 of the 3000-mile course.