Bhavik Gandhi braving the mighty Atlantic rowing solo, one mile one meridian at a time.

 

Bhavik Gandhi braving the mighty Atlantic rowing solo, one mile one meridian at a time

First Asian to attempt to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean

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New Delhi, Delhi, IND, 2007-04-09 15:47:09 (IndiaPRwire.com)

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Bhavik Gandhi began his attempt at becoming the first Indian and first Asian to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean on 28th February, 2007 at 1155 hrs GMT. Bhavik set off from La Restinga on the island of El Hierro off the coast of Spain and is expected to reach his destination Antigua, 3000 nautical miles away, in about 90 days.

Bhavik has been at sea for about 35 days now and has already rowed for over 900 nautical miles pushing the boundaries of equipment, body and mind beyond limits unfathomable to most human beings. He hopes that this attempt to row across the Atlantic solo will inspire others to take on challenges and obstacles in their life that were thought impossible and help realise situations are not always as bad as they may seem to be.

Bhavik in his attempt to row across the Atlantic unaided is at the mercy of the weather and has to endure extreme conditions such as gale force winds, storms and regular 4-storey high waves in the open ocean, not to mention the constant fear of sharks and whales. Days merge into a big blue background and darkness interspersed with brilliant stars on clear nights are his only friends. However, he is kept amused by the constant shoal of pilot fish and sometimes even dolphins that follow his boat as it continues its journey to Antigua. For more updates on Bhavik’s remarkable journey log on to http://www.humanedgetech.com/expedition/bhavik/

Bhavik is rowing for about 10-12 hours a day in 4 hour shifts. The rest of the time will be divided between eating, cleaning and maintaining the boat, and trying to catch up on some much needed sleep. To keep his sanity intact he will be carrying a laptop, a PDA, an iPod and a satellite phone which will be his only contact with the outside world. He will also be carrying a GPS system, an Argos tracking system and a SeeMe device that will enable his boat to be picked up by the radars of large ships.

Upon completion of this journey he will be the 23rd person to row solo across the Atlantic and only the 33rd person to ever row solo across any ocean. The Ocean Rowing Society would certify the World Records. Following the route Christopher Columbus took, Bhavik will spend an estimated 90 days at sea in a 23 - ft boat, rowing solo and unassisted. Bhavik on route to his world record will be crossing the infamous Bermuda Triangle.

Overcoming challenges and obstacles at sea are of a different kind and a lot more difficult. Bhavik commented, ”Rowing solo across miles and miles of ocean pits man against nature and all that she has to offer. Somedays she just beautiful and calm while other days she comes with problems such as rough weather, strong currents which push a person to and beyond boundaries they never knew existed. That is the biggest battle of them all. I have to get miles out of nature by pushing the boundaries of the equipment, body and mind. I have been preparing my self for this my whole life with the intense physical and mental and emotional training I have put myself through.”

- End -

About Ocean Rowing

Ocean rowing remains the world’s toughest human powered endurance sport. Relying on muscle-power alone athletes row in extreme weather conditions across the open ocean facing 40 - ft. waves. This sport is unique in terms of its difficulty, exceptional length and demands on physical and mental endurance. Extensive planning, preparation, motivation and persistence are a pre-requisite.

The sport is as much a psychological as it is a physical challenge. Rowers often have to endure long periods at sea with help often many days if not weeks away. The challenge is especially acute for solo rowers who are held in especially high esteem within the sport. The history of ocean rowing is sometimes divided into two eras. The first 12 ocean rows are considered "Historic Ocean rows" within the sport as they were completed with very limited if any modern technology

About Bhavik Gandhi

Bhavik Gandhi is the founder and the principal partner at the Development Venture Capital Group, a venture capital fund specialising in micro venture capital for social entrepreneurs in developing countries. His present work also involves investments in high growth startups specialising in Next Generation Network technologies, for converged voice, video and data services for fixed and wireless telecommunication carriers. Bhavik's experience spans Telecommunications, Retail, New Media, Venture Capital, Energy, Outsourcing and the non-profit sector. He has also had extensive experience in the establishment, growth and management of startup companies.

He is currently based in Stockholm, Sweden. Bhavik holds an MSc in Engineering Information Systems from the Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden and a B.Sc in Management & Information Systems from Royal Holloway, University of London. He was born in Bombay in 1977 and studied at Bombay Scottish, Mumbai till Std. VIII before moving to Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom for further studies.

Bhavik Gandhi braving the mighty Atlantic rowing solo, one mile one meridian at a time.

Bhavik Gandhi braving the mighty Atlantic rowing solo, one mile one meridian at a time.

Bhavik Gandhi began his attempt at becoming the first Indian and first Asian to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean on 28^th February, 2007 at 1155 hrs GMT. Bhavik set off from La Restinga on the island of El Hierro off the coast of Spain and is expected to reach his destination Antigua, 3000 nautical miles away, in about 90 days.

Bhavik has been at sea for about 35 days now and has already rowed for over 900 nautical miles pushing the boundaries of equipment, body and mind beyond limits unfathomable to most human beings. He hopes that this attempt to row across the Atlantic solo will inspire others to take on challenges and obstacles in their life that were thought impossible and help realise situations are not always as bad as they may seem to be.

Bhavik in his attempt to row across the Atlantic unaided, is at the mercy of the weather and has to endure extreme conditions such as gale force winds, storms and regular 4-storey high waves in the open ocean, not to mention the constant fear of sharks and whales. Days merge into a big blue background and darkness interspersed with brilliant stars on clear nights are his only friends. However, he is kept amused by the constant shoal of pilot fish and sometimes even dolphins that follow his boat as it continues its journey to Antigua. For more updates on Bhavik’s remarkable journey log on to http://www.bhavik.com/crossatlantic

Bhavik is rowing for about 10-12 hours a day in 4 hour shifts. The rest of the time will be divided between eating, cleaning and maintaining the boat, and trying to catch up on some much needed sleep. To keep his sanity intact he will be carrying a laptop, a PDA, an iPod and a satellite phone which will be his only contact with the outside world. He will also be carrying a GPS system, an Argos tracking system and a SeeMe device that will enable his boat to be picked up by the radars of large ships.

Upon completion of this journey he will be the 23^rd person to row solo across the Atlantic and only the 33^rd person to ever row solo across any ocean. The Ocean Rowing Society would certify the World Records. Following the route Christopher Columbus took, Bhavik will spend an estimated 90 days at sea in a 23 - ft boat, rowing solo and unassisted. Bhavik on route to his world record will be crossing the infamous Bermuda Triangle

Overcoming challenges and obstacles at sea are of a different kind and a lot more difficult. Bhavik commented, ”Rowing solo across miles and miles of ocean pits man against nature and all that she has to offer. Somedays she just beautiful and calm while other days she comes with problems such as rough weather, strong currents which push a person to and beyond boundaries they never knew existed. That is the biggest battle of them all. I have to get miles out of nature by pushing the boundaries of the equipment, body and mind. I have been preparing my self for this my whole life with the intense physical and mental and emotional training I have put myself through.”

About Ocean Rowing:

Ocean rowing remains the world’s toughest human powered endurance sport. Relying on muscle-power alone athletes row in extreme weather conditions across the open ocean facing 40 - ft. waves. This sport is unique in terms of its difficulty, exceptional length and demands on physical and mental endurance. Extensive planning, preparation, motivation and persistence are a pre-requisite.

The sport is as much a psychological as it is a physical challenge. Rowers often have to endure long periods at sea with help often many days if not weeks away. The challenge is especially acute for solo rowers who are held in especially high esteem within the sport. The history of ocean rowing is sometimes divided into two eras. The first 12 ocean rows are considered "Historic Ocean rows" within the sport as they were completed with very limited if any modern technology

About Bhavik Gandhi:

Bhavik Gandhi is the founder and the principal partner at the Development Venture Capital Group, a venture capital fund specialising in micro venture capital for social entrepreneurs in developing countries. His present work also involves investments in high growth startups specialising in Next Generation Network technologies, for converged voice, video and data services for fixed and wireless telecommunication carriers. Bhavik's experience spans Telecommunications, Retail, New Media, Venture Capital, Energy, Outsourcing and the non-profit sector. He has also had extensive experience in the establishment, growth and management of startup companies.

He is currently based in Stockholm, Sweden. Bhavik holds an MSc in Engineering Information Systems from the Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden and a B.Sc in Management & Information Systems from Royal Holloway, University of London. He was born in Bombay in 1977 and studied at Bombay Scottish, Mumbai till Std. VIII before moving to Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom for further studies.

For further information please contact:

Ryan Marshall – 9871597749, ryanmarshall.office@gmail.com

Bhavik Gandhi Attempts World Record in Ocean Rowing First Asian to attempt to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean

 

Bhavik Gandhi attempts to become the first Indian and first Asian to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Upon completion of this journey he will be the 23rd person to row solo across the Atlantic and only the 33rd person to ever row solo across any ocean. The Ocean Rowing Society would certify the World Records. Starting 28 February 2006, Bhavik will row 3000 nautical miles (5000 km) from La Gomera in Spain to Antigua, Barbados. Following the route Christopher Columbus took, Bhavik will spend an estimated 90 days at sea in a 23 - ft boat, rowing solo, non-stop and unassisted.

So why would a man attempt a feat so dangerous, so threatening and yet so tempting? "Rowing an ocean is not an adventure. It's a sport where the known risks are unpredictable. It is the ultimate endurance sport and test of mental and physical endurance that pushes the boundaries of what is possible," says Bhavik. He continues, "It is my hope in doing this that it will inspire others to take on personal or business challenges that seem impossible and see them through."

Bhavik is also raising the awareness of the work done by the Shark Trust a charity that promotes the study, management and conservation of sharks.

Perils at Sea

Bhavik's boat will have no sails, no motor, no support ship. Relying on muscle-power alone, he will be at the mercy of the weather and have to endure extreme conditions such as gale force winds, storms and regular 4-storey high waves in the open ocean. The 90 days of isolation without any human contact combined with severe sleep deprivation and irregular sleeping patterns will also exert an exceptional amount of mental stress on Bhavik. Seemingly simple tasks like scrubbing the barnacles at the bottom of the boat, that slow the boat down, will also be a risk considering the smaller fish, which feed off the growth on the underside of the boat, are food for sharks and whales. And, of course, there is always the risk of being hit by speeding cargo boats that fail to see his boat on their radar. Did we forget to mention - Bhavik will also cross the notorious Bermuda Triangle stretch?

Survival Guide

He plans to row for 10-12 hours daily. The rest of the time will be divided between eating, cleaning and maintaining the boat, and trying to catch up on some much needed sleep. To keep his sanity intact he will be carrying a laptop, a PDA, an iPod and a satellite phone which will be his only contact with the outside world. Of course, Bhavik will also carry extra supplies but then that is prime attraction for sharks. He will also be carrying a GPS system, an Argos tracking system and a SeeMe device that will enable his boat to be picked up by the radars of large ships.

"Water, water, everywhere; Not a drop to drink," Words made famous by Samuel Taylor Coleridge's Ancient Mariner. Well, Bhavik is making sure he doesn't need to repeat those words. Solution - an on-board Desalinator.

Ocean Rowing: The World's Toughest Endurance Challenge

Ocean rowing remains the world's toughest human powered endurance sport. Relying on muscle-power alone athletes row in extreme weather conditions across the open ocean facing 40 - ft. waves. This sport is unique in terms of its difficulty, exceptional length and demands on physical and mental endurance. Extensive planning, preparation, motivation and persistence are a pre-requisite.

Bhavik says, "I have long been involved in various endurance challenges like distance running, mountain climbing, sailing, cycling from Stockholm to Istanbul, trekking across Siberia in minus 30�C temperatures. When I look back at these experiences now, it seems as if, through these seemingly unconnected events, I was preparing for this once-in-a-lifetime challenge - becoming the first Asian to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean."

Bhavik Gandhi - A Brief Profile

Bhavik is a serial entrepreneur and is currently based in Stockholm, Sweden. He is the founder and the principal partner at the Development Venture Capital Group, a venture capital fund specialising in micro venture capital for social entrepreneurs in developing countries. His present work also involves investments in high growth startups specialising in Next Generation Network technologies.

Partners

Bhavik has received widespread corporate and media support from several leading Indian and International Companies. His international supporters are Tag Heuer, Western Union Money Transfer, Panasonic, Onsite Systems, Apple, Ocean Rowing Society, Ursuk, Six Apart, Argos, and Iridium. The Indian companies on board are Idea Cellular, Amaron, Satyam, Sahara, L&T, Dhruva Interactive, makemytrip.com, Proline Fitness Planet, CNBC TV 18, Accord Public Relations, Maxim, Man's World, exchange4media.com, Sify, Tehelka, indiainfoline.com, cobrapost.com and many others.

Support Bhavik

Show your support for Bhavik Gandhi by logging on to www.bhavik.com and leaving a message for him. You can also participate in the boat-naming competition and be a part of history in the making. The site also has latest news, pictures and videos of Bhavik's planned trip; this information will continue to be updated via satellite phone as he makes his way across the Atlantic.

Note to Editors:

The Boat

� Length: 23.4 feet / 7.1 meters

� Width/Beam: 6.3 feet / 1.9 meters

� Depth: 3 feet / 1 meter

� Weight: 750 kg / 1,650 lbs

The boat is made of 6mm thick marine plywood with a coat of epoxy resin for strength and resilience to water. The boat provides shelter in the rear cabin, which also houses the water maker and all on-board electrics (solar powered). All food supplies are stored in sealed bags underneath the rowing deck.

In the likely event of the boat capsizing, several design factors have been introduced to ensure it rights itself. The watertight cabins fore and aft are egg-shaped due to which it is extremely unstable when upside down. Moreover, the air trapped in the cabin keeps the hull buoyant and combined with the heavy stores in the keel creates a high centre of gravity that causes the boat to right itself.

More about Bhavik

Bhavik Gandhi is the founder and the principal partner at the Development Venture Capital Group, a venture capital fund specialising in micro venture capital for social entrepreneurs in developing countries. His present work also involves investments in high growth startups specialising in Next Generation Network technologies, for converged voice, video and data services for fixed and wireless telecommunication carriers. Bhavik's experience spans Telecommunications, Retail, New Media, Venture Capital, Energy, Outsourcing and the non-profit sector. He has also had extensive experience in the establishment, growth and management of startup companies.

He is currently based in Stockholm, Sweden. Bhavik holds an MSc in Engineering Information Systems from the Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden and a B.Sc in Management & Information Systems from Royal Holloway, University of London. He was born in Bombay in 1977 and studied at Bombay Scottish, Mumbai till Std. VIII before moving to Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom for further studies.

- End -

Accord is a full service public relations agency that focuses on the needs of lifestyle brands. Our focus sectors are Tourism, Travel and Hospitality, Food & Beverage, Media and Entertainment and Retail and Real Estate. In the specific sector of Tourism, Travel and Hospitality, we have worked with Walt Disney World Resorts, The Claridges Group of Hotels and Resorts, British Airways, and India's first truly world class theme park and resort [coming up in Noida]. We are headquartered in New Delhi and have offices in Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai and Kolkata.

Bhavik Gandhi Attempts World Record in Ocean Rowing First Asian to attempt to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean

February 14, 2006. First Asian Attempt to Row Solo Across the Atlantic Ocean La Gomera, Spain.

2000 people have SAILED around the GLOBE
1400 people have CLIMBED Mt. EVEREST
450 people have BEEN into SPACE
180 have been to the POLES
ONLY 32 have ever ROWED an OCEAN SOLO...

Bhavik Gandhi attempts to become the first Indian and first Asian to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Upon completion of this journey he will be the 23rd person to row solo across the Atlantic and only the 33rd person to ever row solo across any ocean. The Ocean Rowing Society would certify the World Records. Starting 28 February 2006, Bhavik will row 3000 nautical miles (5000 km) from La Gomera in Spain to Antigua, Barbados. Following the route Christopher Columbus took, Bhavik will spend an estimated 90 days at sea in a 23 - ft boat, rowing solo, non-stop and unassisted.

So why would a man attempt a feat so dangerous, so threatening and yet so tempting? “Rowing an ocean is not an adventure. It's a sport where the known risks are unpredictable. It is the ultimate endurance sport and test of mental and physical endurance that pushes the boundaries of what is possible,” says Bhavik. He continues, “It is my hope in doing this that it will inspire others to take on personal or business challenges that seem impossible and see them through.”

Bhavik is also raising the awareness of the work done by the Shark Trust a charity that promotes the study, management and conservation of sharks.

Perils at Sea
Bhavik’s boat will have no sails, no motor, no support ship. Relying on muscle-power alone, he will be at the mercy of the weather and have to endure extreme conditions such as gale force winds, storms and regular 4-storey high waves in the open ocean. The 90 days of isolation without any human contact combined with severe sleep deprivation and irregular sleeping patterns will also exert an exceptional amount of mental stress on Bhavik. Seemingly simple tasks like scrubbing the barnacles at the bottom of the boat, that slow the boat down, will also be a risk considering the smaller fish, which feed off the growth on the underside of the boat, are food for sharks and whales. And, of course, there is always the risk of being hit by speeding cargo boats that fail to see his boat on their radar. Did we forget to mention - Bhavik will also cross the notorious Bermuda Triangle stretch?

Survival Guide
He plans to row for 10-12 hours daily. The rest of the time will be divided between eating, cleaning and maintaining the boat, and trying to catch up on some much needed sleep. To keep his sanity intact he will be carrying a laptop, a PDA, an iPod and a satellite phone which will be his only contact with the outside world. Of course, Bhavik will also carry extra supplies but then that is prime attraction for sharks. He will also be carrying a GPS system, an Argos tracking system and a SeeMe device that will enable his boat to be picked up by the radars of large ships.

“Water, water, everywhere; Not a drop to drink,” Words made famous by Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s Ancient Mariner. Well, Bhavik is making sure he doesn’t need to repeat those words. Solution – an on-board Desalinator.

Ocean Rowing: The World’s Toughest Endurance Challenge
Ocean rowing remains the world’s toughest human powered endurance sport. Relying on muscle-power alone athletes row in extreme weather conditions across the open ocean facing 40 - ft. waves. This sport is unique in terms of its difficulty, exceptional length and demands on physical and mental endurance. Extensive planning, preparation, motivation and persistence are a pre-requisite.

Bhavik says, “I have long been involved in various endurance challenges like distance running, mountain climbing, sailing, cycling from Stockholm to Istanbul, trekking across Siberia in minus 30°C temperatures. When I look back at these experiences now, it seems as if, through these seemingly unconnected events, I was preparing for this once-in-a-lifetime challenge – becoming the first Asian to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean.”

Bhavik Gandhi – A Brief Profile
Bhavik is a serial entrepreneur and is currently based in Stockholm, Sweden. He is the founder and the principal partner at the Development Venture Capital Group, a venture capital fund specialising in micro venture capital for social entrepreneurs in developing countries. His present work also involves investments in high growth startups specialising in Next Generation Network technologies.

Partners
Bhavik has received widespread corporate and media support from several leading Indian and International Companies. His international supporters are Tag Heuer, Western Union Money Transfer, Panasonic, Onsite Systems, Apple, Ocean Rowing Society, Ursuk, Six Apart, Argos, and Iridium. The Indian companies on board are Idea Cellular, Amaron, Satyam, Sahara, L&T, Dhruva Interactive, makemytrip.com, Proline Fitness Planet, CNBC TV 18, Accord Public Relations, Maxim, Man’s World, exchange4media.com, Sify, Tehelka, indiainfoline.com, cobrapost.com and many others.

Support Bhavik
Show your support for Bhavik Gandhi by logging on to www.bhavik.com and leaving a message for him. You can also participate in the boat-naming competition and be a part of history in the making. The site also has latest news, pictures and videos of Bhavik’s planned trip; this information will continue to be updated via satellite phone as he makes his way across the Atlantic.

Note to Editors:

The Boat

• Length: 23.4 feet / 7.1 meters
• Width/Beam: 6.3 feet / 1.9 meters
• Depth: 3 feet / 1 meter
• Weight: 750 kg / 1,650 lbs

The boat is made of 6mm thick marine plywood with a coat of epoxy resin for strength and resilience to water. The boat provides shelter in the rear cabin, which also houses the water maker and all on-board electrics (solar powered). All food supplies are stored in sealed bags underneath the rowing deck.

In the likely event of the boat capsizing, several design factors have been introduced to ensure it rights itself. The watertight cabins fore and aft are egg-shaped due to which it is extremely unstable when upside down. Moreover, the air trapped in the cabin keeps the hull buoyant and combined with the heavy stores in the keel creates a high centre of gravity that causes the boat to right itself.

More about Bhavik

Bhavik Gandhi is the founder and the principal partner at the Development Venture Capital Group, a venture capital fund specialising in micro venture capital for social entrepreneurs in developing countries. His present work also involves investments in high growth startups specialising in Next Generation Network technologies, for converged voice, video and data services for fixed and wireless telecommunication carriers. Bhavik's experience spans Telecommunications, Retail, New Media, Venture Capital, Energy, Outsourcing and the non-profit sector. He has also had extensive experience in the establishment, growth and management of startup companies.

He is currently based in Stockholm, Sweden. Bhavik holds an MSc in Engineering Information Systems from the Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden and a B.Sc in Management & Information Systems from Royal Holloway, University of London. He was born in Bombay in 1977 and studied at Bombay Scottish, Mumbai till Std. VIII before moving to Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom for further studies.

For further information please contact:

Meenakshi Bhanja:9811784695 Vikram Mohinta:9810921616
mbhanja@gmail.com vikrammohinta@accordpr.com

September 30, 2005 1 in a billion. From Spain to Barbados in a rowing boat. Stockholm, Sweden (PRWEB)

Bhavik Gandhi, 27, will attempt to row 3000 nautical miles (5000 km) across the Atlantic Ocean, solo and unsupported, from Spain to Barbados.
Starting in December 2005, he will undertake one of the worlds toughest human powered endurance challenges, spending an estimated 90 days at sea in a 23 ft rowing boat. Relying on muscle-power alone for the crossing, he will also have to endure extreme weather conditions in the open ocean, gale force winds, ships, sharks and icebergs.
If successful, he will be the first Indian to row across an ocean and also be one of the 32 people in the world to have ever accomplished this feat.
The Cross Atlantic Row will raise funds for United Way, a global a non-profit organisation.
About Bhavik Gandhi
Bhavik was born in Mumbai, India and presently lives in Stockholm, Sweden where he works with venture capital and technology startups. Amongst his other extreme endurance achievements, he has cycled 3000 km across Europe in a record 6 weeks.
About Ocean Rowing
Ocean rowing as a sport is unique in terms of its difficulty, exceptional length, and demands on physical and mental endurance This record attempt is supported by the Ocean Rowing Society. www.oceanrowing.com
For additional information, contact Accord PR or visit the official challenge website at www.bhavik.com/crossatlantic.