OAR Northwest would not exist today without a great deal of work from many sponsors, supporters, volunteers, parents and friends. However, for the guys who row this is often a journey of constant work on top of other jobs. Suffice it to say, it’s a lot of blood, sweat and tears. We do this for the passion. For those of us who continue to row, we do so on the foundation these men helped create. This page is dedicated to the previous crew of the ocean rowboat, James Robert Hanssen, listed in the order they joined.
Bradley Vickers, North Atlantic, 2006
Without Brad’s vision and decision to join Jordan on the first row, OAR Northwest would have ended as a pipe dream. His rock solid enthusiasm, commitment and passion added the momentum needed to create a team capable of rowing and winning the first ocean rowing race across the North Atlantic. Since the ocean row, he has worked for Emerald Harbor Marine and spent several years at the NMTA, eventually becoming manager of the Seattle Boat Show. Brad lives in Seattle and is transitioning to the next adventure.
Dylan LeValley, North Atlantic, 2006
Dylan “tried not to get to excited” when making the decision to join the crew. We are glad he did. He is a powerful combination of indestructible and cheerful mixed with brawn and brain. Dylan spent several years working for Emerald Harbor Marine before transitioning to law school at Seattle University and will be graduating in 2013. He lives in Seattle.
Richard Tarbill, Salish Sea Vancouver Island Circumnavigation, 2012
Richard provided the drive for the next rendition of OAR Northwest. With a background as an Aerodynamic Flight Test Engineer he helped test the new Boeing 747-8 and 787-8 Dreamliner while overseeing the complicated technical transition from a race boat into the space shuttle of ocean rowboats. His commitment, detail and persistence kept our new and complicated systems working while underway around Vancouver Island… and if that was not impressive enough, in the rare dull moments he could also summon the strength to play violin as we rowed.
