4 Islanders are to take on the challenge of a life time by rowing across the Atlantic Ocean in a 8 metre boat in aid of local charities Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust and Ability Dogs 4 Young People.
Starting from the picturesque town of San Sebastian in the Canary Islands in December 2017, the challenge is to row across the world’s second largest ocean to Nelsons Dockyard in English Bay, Antigua. The team of Will Whitehead (23), Dan Warner (30), Mark Brownjohn (59) and Roger McCarthy (43) – appropriately named ‘Wight Lightning’ – are racing in the Concept Fours Class and, if they are lucky enough to succeed, they should reach Antigua in just 50-70 days.
Crossing the Atlantic is never an easy undertaking, but people have been making the journey for hundreds of years. The idea of the Atlantic Challenge race came to Sir Chay Blyth whilst he was rowing the Atlantic Ocean with John Ridgeway in 1966. It was a 92-day battle against hurricanes, 50ft waves and near starvation.
Similar challenges could face the quad of Will, Dan, Mark and Roger. Although the challenge is being taken outside of the hurricane season, Atlantic storms can last anywhere from an hour to several days, seriously affecting the progress made and with the potential to run the rowers of course by as much as 100 miles.
The group of friends will be living in each others pockets for weeks on end. At 8 meters in length and just 2 compartments for sleeping and storage, the ocean rowing boat is a hostile environment for 4 grown men. The 2 cabins can uncomfortably fit 2 rowers during their 2 hour sleep cycle, whilst the deck, home of 3 rowing stations, harbours the remaining 2 team members during their row cycle.
A spokesperson for the team has said:
“Once we leave the safety of the harbour we will be on our own for approximately 2 months, on the vast ocean and at the mercy of the elements. Our aim is to become members of a small community of friends that have shared the adventures of an ocean crossing. The mental and physical endurance will result in a life changing achievement.
“We welcome you to share in our journey and progress by following the event in December 2017 at www.wightlightning.com/racetracker“.
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Safety is paramount and all crew must hold internationally recognised qualifications in navigation, first aid and sea survival. In addition, the team are working hard throughout 2017 to exceed the amount of hours crews are required to have logged before the race – this means you will see Wight Lightning out on the Solent over the coming months.
More information about the challenge and how to support the fundraising efforts can be found at https://wightlightning.com/support-us/.
