Limerick's Sean has a big 'following' as he bids to conquer the Atlantic
NOW 65 days at sea, Limerick rower Sean McGowan is making good progress across the Atlantic in his bid to become the first Irishman to complete the journey solo.
The Farranshone man had joked prior to his departure that he hoped to make it back to Limerick by St Patrick's day, but he now expects to reach Antigua in the Caribbean in mid-May.
Having left La Gomera in the Canaries in early January, he covered 500 nautical miles in his first 30 days and just over 600 miles in the last 30 days.
While the voyage is often a lonely one, Sean and his vessel Tess have attracted a large following. A group of pilot whales has repeatedly surrounded them, but to date the fish - rather than Sean - have been their target.
A 12 foot shark also passed him by on another occasion, as well as flying fish and grey whales. "They are massive creatures, fantastic creatures. The flying fish are very impressive," he told listeners of RTE Radio One's Seascapes programme.
He continued: "The biggest challenge is the mental challenge, physically you can grin and bear it." Not being present to celebrate his children's birthdays "are a terrible low", he said. "They are the times that are very, very difficult," he said.
Member of Limerick City Council also sent their best wishes to him after he negotiated some treacherous weather and choppy waters.
However, despite a series of setbacks at the start of the race he is determined not to give up.
"The only thing that will stop me doing this is if the boat breaks up.
" I've gone through an awful lot and I'm not going to stop now. You only get one chance at this."
Over 900 people have become fans of his epic trip on Facebook, while people's continuing messages of support have buoyed his spirits during tough times.
"You are an inspiration to all fellow rowers," was one comment left on the site.
These messages, he said, "have been a huge, huge bonus. If people only understood how much (they meant] they'd write more." Mr McGowan said he is proud that he hasn't pulled out of the race, and has kept going, as mentally it has been an "horrific" experience.
"There are no other words for it. You couldn't visualise some of the situations you're in."
In the past week he has had to tie his hands to the oars again due to the pain he's suffering. "It's agony. It's so painful you feel like vomiting. But you just have to get through it. Suck it up and get on with it."
The pre-packed food, loaded with calories to sustain his energy, is "vile", he said, and he has lost at least 14kg in weight.
All his clothes are now too big and he said his hair has reverted back to its 1970s style.
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Weather for Limerick
Tuesday 22 May 2012
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Temperature: 13 C to 19 C
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