The Flying Carrot is a unique rowing boat built to withstand the biggest seas on the planet. Last weekend, the Carrot and her 27 year old rower, Olly Hicks, set off from Tasmania with the intention of making the first circumnavigation of the world by solo rowboat.

 

Olly Hicks has already completed the legendary Marathon des Sables (6 marathons run back-to-back) and has rowed solo across the Atlantic - the only person to do so West - East and the youngest person ever to row an ocean solo. This latest adventure is of almost unimaginable danger and requires mental strength that very few people alive can possess. He will be alone for more than 22 months in the Southern Oceans where waves of eight metres are common. He has to be tied to the boat at all times and sleeps in a tiny airtight cabin - like sleeping in a pitch black washing machine. Thanks to Google and Virgin's sponsorship there is a brilliant interactive website where you can watch the Flying Carrot's progress on Google Earth, see video clips and read his extraordinary blog - www.virginglobalrow.com.  This will eventually be the basis of what is sure to be a bestelling book but meanwhile log onto the site and follow his journey as you sit and drink your latte at your desk!