Simon Chalk
Age: 34
Location: Devon
Employment: Woodvale Challenge Ltd
In 1994 Simon was selected to represent BT in the BT Global Challenge Round the World Yacht Race 1996/97 - he joined the crew of Save the Children taking on the most infamous leg and being the first boat to round Cape Horn.
In 1997 he took part in the inaugural Port St Charles, Barbados Atlantic Rowing Race with rowing partner George Rock.
Their boat was called 'Cellnet Atlantic Challenger' and they finished the race in 13th Place in a time of 64 days, 5 hours and 11 minutes.
After being bitten by the ocean rowing bug Simon, and rowing partner Bill Greaves, put a campaign together and made their first attempt to row the Indian Ocean. However, only a few days out from their start location in Western Australia, they capsized after hitting something large submerged in the water, and had to be rescued.
Undeterred by his experience Simon returned to Australia in 2003 to attempt the crossing again, this time solo. This time he and his boat True Spirit would be successful and after 107 days at sea Simon became the first British person and youngest person ever to row across the Indian Ocean.
(Last Updated: 12-11-2007)