Rockall, with its base of 25 metres, is constantly being pounded by 3,000 miles of Atlantic swell. The world’s largest recorded oceanic waves of 29 metres were recorded there in the year 2000; 6 metres higher than Rockall itself. Being in such an isolated location, over 180 miles from nearest land, the sea state can change in minutes, and as Rockall lies outside the air sea rescue zone, all these conditions combine to make it the most difficult island in the world to sleep on.
Although I estimate in the region of 250 people have landed on Rockall, only the 3 people on the Greenpeace expedition in 1997 which landed for 42 days and Tom McLean in 1985 for 40 days have actually spent the night there, in both instances under shelter. The third known longest landing was in 2005, on that occasion for 9 hours. My intention is to spend at least a night and without shelter.
If you believe you know of a more difficult island in the world to spend the night I would love to hear of it. If you would like to become part of the Island Man Rockall Expedition 2009 please visit the Get Involved section.
The Isle Of Rockall
My three main objectives for the expedition are:
- To spend at least one night on the island without shelter.
- To raise my Yorkshire Flag atop of Rockall.
- For Radio Hams to activate the island.
