In December 2023, 3 friends from the Island will take on the challenge of a lifetime when they compete in the Talisker Whisky Challenge and race across the Atlantic Ocean in a rowing boat.
Under the banner of Mermaid Atlantic, Xavier Baker, Paul Berry and Chris Mannion are looking to beat the 35-day class record whilst raising money for several environmental charities.
To support this amazing enterprise, Ventnor Rugby Club has donated £250 to the cause, from money raised when their clubhouse was used as a checkpoint and feeding station for the round-the-island-cycling Randonnee last month.
The club’s chairman Ed Blake said:
“Paul Berry is a long-time player for Ventnor RFC and we applaud the Mermaid Atlantic project both for the adventure and for the charities that it supports. Paul has a past record of rowing achievement, having raised over £9,000 for charity when he rowed single handed round the island in less than sixteen hours in 2018.”
Paul Berry has said:
“On behalf of Xavier, Chris and myself, I would like to thank Ventnor RFC for the donation of £250, which qualifies them to have their name on the boat when we cross the Atlantic. It’s great to have the support of the club, and it will motivate me when things get tough to see their crest on the side of the boat.”
