MEDIA ADVISORY / PHOTO OPPORTUNITY

  TO       TV News Assignment Editors, Newspaper Editors, Wire Services, Radio News Assignment Editors, Feature Writers, Photo Desks, Sports Editors

 WHO            Tori Murden, American solo rower

 WHAT Murden arrives in the Lesser Antilles of the Caribbean, becoming the first woman and first American to row solo across an ocean without aid of wind, sail or motor and without support or escort vessel. 

 WHEN Murden departed the Canary Islands Sept. 13, 1999.  Her projected arrival is between Nov. 17 and Nov. 22, 1999

WHERE  Antigua or Guadeloupe, Lesser Antilles

NOTE Visuals and Betacam B-roll available through Communications West.

ATLANTIC OCEAN -- (November 3, 1999) -- Tori Murden, a 36-year-old adventurer from Louisville, Ky., is less than three weeks and 800 miles from completing a solo row across the Atlantic Ocean, becoming the world’s first woman to row an ocean solo.  Murden’s east to west crossing is without aid of wind, motor or sail and without support or escort

Murden departed Tenerife, Canary Islands, on Sept. 13, 1999 in her 23-foot custom rowboat, the American Pearl.  She has rowed 2,200 miles in 52 days, averaging 42 miles per day.  Murden’s successful arrival in the Lesser Antilles of the Caribbean makes her both the first woman and first American to traverse an ocean alone in a rowboat, using only human power. 

According to London-based Ocean Rowing Society, the world record for a solo crossing of an ocean is 73 days, 8 hours.  Murden is currently on pace to beat that record. 

Murden’s attempt to row the North Atlantic Ocean in 1998 failed when Hurricane Danielle capsized her rowboat 15 times.  At the time of her rescue, Murden was at sea 85 days, the longest any woman has ever been alone at sea in a rowboat.

This year’s row is sponsored by Sector Sport Watches, No Limits Sports & Tech Wear, Fontana Candida Italian Wines and Fifth Third Bank of Louisville.  Murden is a member of the Sector No Limits® Team, an elite group of international athletes who dare test and transcend the outer limits of human potential.

ED NOTE:            Murden is available for a limited number of media interviews based on sea conditions and related communications logistics.  She is available for interviews upon her arrival in the Lesser Antilles and upon her return to the U.S.   Updates and advisory information will continue through Business Wire, or call 415.863.7220 for detailed background, visuals and assistance.  Voice mail messages will be returned promptly.