On 4th December 2011, Adam Wolley, Greg Symondson, Ross Turner and Hugo Turner are attempting to row across the Atlantic Ocean in 'the world's toughest rowing race' in aid of Spinal Research, setting two world records in doing so.
The Woodvale Atlantic Rowing Race was established in 1997, and since that date just over 200 people have completed the punishing crossing; far fewer than those who have reached the summit of Everest or experienced the weightlessness of space.
The crew are attempting this epic feat to raise funds for research into spinal cord injury, following Hugo's recovery from a broken neck; "I know how life changing paralysis is and how different things could have been for me. By raising funds for Spinal Research and their work into treating paralysis, we hope to make a difference to those who have to deal with the devastating consequences of spinal cord injury everyday."
Starting in the Spanish Canary Islands and finishing in the Caribbean Island of Barbados. The race is 2,552 nautical miles (2,935 regular miles).When bad weather and adverse conditions are factored in, most teams will row well over 3,000 miles during their Atlantic crossing, taking between two and three months.
The crew will be rowing in a 29 ft open hull, transatlantic rowing boat. Conditions on board will be extremely cramped and uncomfortable with little protection from the extreme weather conditions and 30 foot swells of the mid Atlantic. The boys will have no home comforts, no ablutions and limited cooking facilities during their time on-board . They will drink desalinated seawater and sleep in a space no bigger than a single bed.
These Ocean rowing boats are specifically designed for the Atlantic Crossing. They are self righting in case of capsize and robust enough to cope with the harsh conditions of the Atlantic. All boats are kitted out with the very latest electronic systems so that they can be tracked 24 hours a day, and can communicate with land and other vessels while out at sea.
The costs for such an event are considerable, which means getting to the start line is a sizeable challenge in itself. The team will have to manage the logistics of fund-raising, training, liaising with sponsors and studying at university in order to get to the start line in December 2011.
It is going to be a busy and testing year, but with your support, their shared dream of crossing the Atlantic and their aim to raise £150,000 in cleared funds for research into treating paralysis can become a reality.
Thank you for your support.
