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 Guadeloupe in the West Indies, 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 Sunday, December 5, 1999

WHERE  Marina Bas du Fort, Guadeloupe, Lesser Antilles (projected)

NOTE Visuals and Betacam B-roll available through Communications West

AMERICAN SOLO ROWER NEARS LANDFALL IN GUADELOUPE

ATLANTIC OCEAN -- (November 30, 1999) -- Tori Murden, a 36-year-old adventurer from Louisville, Ky., is less than one week and 200 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, the Canary Islands, on Sept. 13, 1999 in her 23-foot custom rowboat, the American Pearl.  She has rowed more than 2,800 miles in 79 days.  Murden’s successful arrival in the Lesser Antilles makes her both the first woman and first American to traverse an ocean alone in a rowboat, using only human power. 

Murden’s attempt to row the North Atlantic Ocean in 1998 failed when Hurricane Danielle capsized her rowboat more than 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.

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ED NOTE:            Murden is available for media interviews upon her arrival in Guadeloupe 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.