Lone rower on his way to Hokitika

Press, 27 January 1987, Page 1

Lone rower on his way to Hokitika

By

NICK BROWN

NZPA staff correspondent Sydney

New Zealander John Elcock was feeling a bit flustered, but nevertheless eager as he set off from Sydney Harbour yesterday on his solo row across the Tasman Sea.

Farewelled by his wife and young son — and hundreds of spectators who had also gathered at the Pier One wharf to see the start of the annual Sydney ferry race — Elcock said: “I just want to get out there, and thanks a lot everybody." Elcock, a building maintenance contractor, aged 33, aiming to become the first person to row the Tasman from Australia to New Zealand, had no particular fears about what lay. in store during his 2000 km voyage.

“There are risks like any adventure,” he said. “But I am safer out there than on the roads these days.”

He admitted to feeling churned up inside after a hectic couple of days making final preparations. Then he and his six-metre craft Platypus I were literally churned up as he tried to row through the wash of the ferries and spectator craft milling around the Harbour Bridge. Elcock, who has lived in Queensland for three years, expects to take two months to cross the Tasman and hopes to land

near his home town of Hokitika. He will not be accompanied by a support boat but has two radio sets on board.

During the voyage he will shoot film for a documentary about the attempt, but plans to keep up a schedule of 10 hours a day rowing. Elcock helped design Platypus I, which has a kevlar-foam sandwich hull and covered bulkheads at each end. Hatches can be pulled over the cockpit to completely enclose the boat in rough seas. Hokitika is planning a big welcome for Elcock.

The Hokitika public relations officer, Mr John White, is planning a programme of events to involve the town in welcoming the rower back to his home town.

’ It is hoped to have a formal welcome by the Mayor of Hokitika, Mr Henry Pierson, and a day of gala activities.

Mr White said that he was looking also at the possibility of having the town confer an honorary title on the rower.

Mr Elcock’s father, Mr Dick Elcock, was in Sydney for the departure. The specially constructed craft will be displayed in Hokitika for a few days after arrival and later in Christchurch before being shipped back to Australia.

Earlier crossing, page 3.