NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN – (August 21, 1998) – Although Tori Murden is perhaps the loneliest person in the world, she is making thousands of friends every day. More than halfway into an attempt to become the first woman and first American to row across an ocean solo, Murden is perceived as a heroine with every stroke of the oars. Meanwhile, oblivious of her fans, she presses on.

Completely alone and without communications support, Murden has not only survived contrary currents, strong winds, sweltering heat and several capsizes, but battles an intense mental strain. Her satellite communications were knocked out during the second week of the anticipated 100 to 120 day journey. Since departing from the Oregon Inlet, N.C., on June 14, Murden has rowed some 2,200 nautical miles. She is approximately 1,250 nautical miles from her goal – Brest, France.

After 68 days, Murden has spoken only to the crews of three vessels which she has passed en route. The last report from a ship’s captain, via VHF radio, was on

July 14. So for the last 36 days, Murden’s company has been limited to marine life and her own solitary thoughts, and the lack of human contact adds a profound emotional challenge for the solo rower.

Murden’s swelling list of followers monitor her daily progress on a web site, www.oceanrowing.com, where they leave an assortment of messages well wishes, questions about life at sea, and words on inspiration. Murden’s page is named after her boat, the Sector No Limits American Pearl, and supporters post messages on a link called "Tori’s Guestbook." Since Murden’s departure, the web site has attracted 68,000 visitors from more than 20 countries throughout the world.

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Messages originate from businessmen, athletes, friends and strangers. For example, Dewey and Brian write, "…We’re a couple of architects…You have become the office talk. We will watch you every day. Keep diggin’ till you hit land." Darrel says, "…Admire your strength and courage…As you row, there are hundreds, probably thousands, who have their hands on the oars with you."

From one of the world’s most renowned athletes, comes: "Dear Tori: From one Louisville native to another, I wish you the best of luck on your journey across the ocean. We are cheering for you! You are a champion. Best wishes, Muhammad Ali."

Susie Maroney, Australian long-distance swimmer who swam from Mexico to Cuba this year says, "I would like to wish you much success and good luck as I know you will do it."

Interest in Murden’s adventure crosses lines of gender, age and cultural background. "At age 81 I have never had, and never will have such a grand experience. I feel sure you will succeed," says Ralph.

Murden has been credited for encouraging people to follow their dreams – to push themselves beyond personal limitations. A Louisville coach and teacher writes, "You are truly an inspiration – some see it as crazy; I see it as testing the limits; personal limits…"

Richard notes, "…We were just in Columbus, Ohio where our friends spoke of the ‘woman from Louisville rowing across the ocean.’ I’m sure you are not only making our town proud, but the entire nation…You provide encouragement for our youth to just try, no matter what the odds." Others say Murden makes them proud to be American. RB says, "Keep singing, ‘The Impossible Dream’."

Murden’s rowing career began while at Smith College, in Northampton, Mass., where fellow alumna, Meredith, says, "I think of you and your adventure often as I go about my daily routine. This includes two daughters – and you’ve been quite a role model for them! Already this summer my 4-year-old has taken up ice skating…If Tori can row across the ocean, ice skating doesn’t seem so hard …Thank you for helping me boost her confidence to reach her goal."

Murden’s attempt has had a significant impact on many women. Jennifer says: "It’s bravery like yours that inspires the rest of us. You remind us that women can do anything when they believe in themselves…" And Jane writes, "You are a credit to all of the women who do daring things and those of us who wish we could."

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Living vicariously through Murden’s adventure, some supporters experience Murden’s good and bad days. Linda from Illinois says, "I don’t go to bed at night until I check to see how you are doing. I am just a simple, country girl who is surrounded by ‘oceans’ of soy beans and corn in the flatlands of Illinois…" Cecil and Martha, "landlocked in Indiana," tell Murden, "you are rowing for all of us who ever dreamed of a special adventure."

One of the biggest challenges facing Murden must be the endless solitude. Kenneth Crutchlow of the Ocean Rowing Society describes her isolation with this analogy: "Imagine going into a small room for four months by yourself. You can take everything you need, but you are not allowed to come out."

The Ocean Rowing web site which hosts "Tori’s Guestbook" and tracks her progress, sports a page of memoirs written by four-time solo ocean rower Don Allum. The journal displays his last crossing from St. John’s, Canada to Dooagh, Ireland in 1987, and may provide insight into the typical day of an ocean rower.

On Day 4 of his 77-day odessy, Allum said, "If rowing teaches you anything at all it must be patience." On Day 27, he lamented, "what I need is to be attacked by Moby Dick – anything for a bit of action." By Day 49, he described the experience as "mind-blowing boredom." But turmoil comes when least expected. On Day 50, the log describes a life-threatening incident in which Allum is swallowed by a rogue wave, and separated from his boat.

Tori Murden is sponsored by Sector Sport Watches, a leading designer and manufacturer of premium sport watches. The Sector Sport Watches mission is the promotion of "No Limits"ä – the driving force behind every company endeavor. Murden, the epitome of a Sector No Limits Teamä athlete, aspires to transform her singular triumph into a tool, perhaps opening doors so that others in need might benefit and expand their own horizons. "If I succeed in rowing solo, the wrong way across the Atlantic, imagine how much I’ll be able to accomplish when I return to my desk," says Murden.

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21 August 1998

Contact: Julie Wellik, Shannon Matus, or Susan Barnes

Communications West, 1426 Eighteenth Street,