Atlantic Six launch Ocean Rowing Record
( Last Updated: 13-11-2007 )
Six British endurance athletes expect to spend Christmas in the Atlantic Ocean – as they attempt to smash the longest-standing record in ocean rowing.
The six – Simon Chalk, Guy Lavender, Ben Thackway, George Oliver, Mike Martin and Ian Couch – will formally announce details of their world record attempt on Friday (2nd November) at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy.
Their epic bid will start a month later when they set off from the Canary Islands in their specially built, high-tech ocean rowing boat – the Oyster Shack Ocean Challenger.
“We will announce the record attempt on Friday and give people a chance to view the boat and hear from the crew who are undertaking this all-British attempt to break the record for the fastest unsupported rowing crossing of the Atlantic,” said Guy Lavender.
“On the 2nd December, the six of us will set out to smash the current World Record of 35 days which was set back in 1992 by a French team and is the most sought-after and longest standing record in ocean rowing. Over the last few months, we have been making final preparations to the revolutionary carbon fibre ocean rowing boat which has been designed and constructed by some of the finest boat builders in the country, based here in South West England. We have also assembled a team with a unique blend of skills, fitness and determination to have a real chance of success. People will be able to track our journey, support us and communicate with us via our website which we will launch next week at www.atlanticsix.com. We are rowing to raise funds for our chosen charity, WaterAid,” said Guy.
During the record attempt there will be 3 men rowing at any one time and 3 trying to get some rest. The boat will be stocked with all of their provisions for the duration of the crossing because they will not be allowed the slightest help during the record attempt.
“Despite the risks of rowing an ocean, we have prepared really well for this attempt; the boat carries a wide range of safety equipment and we have undergone a number of demanding training courses, so we are very happy with the safety aspects of the row,” said Guy.
The purpose-built Oyster Shack Challenger was designed by Simon Chalk, a world-renowned ocean-rower and was built in Devon where it is undergoing final preparations.
Time: 10.00 am November 2nd Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy plus opportunity to film from a Rib from 11.00am.
For more information contact:
Guy Lavender - 07738 312715
Sue Handford - 07785 593690