Rowers prepare for 3,000 mile charity Atlantic voyage
A YORKSHIRE rowing team featuring former and current armed forces personnel is preparing to race across the Atlantic Ocean.
Row4Victory are ready to row 3,000 nautical miles to English Harbour in Antigua in aid of the Royal British Legion and Soldier On! charities in the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge.
They departed from Leeds Bradford Airport yesterday morning ahead of the race start on December 12 in La Gomera, one of Spain’s Canary Islands.
The team are all from North Yorkshire: Duncan Roy, an ex Royal Engineer from Ingleby Arncliffe; Fraser Mowlem, a serving chief technician in the Royal Air Force from Linton On Ouse; Glyn Sadler an ex-Royal Marine from Borrowby; and Will Quarmby, a civilian from Ripon.
Mr Quarmby said: “Although it will be tough, we’re all ready for the challenge and can’t wait to start the race.
“It was difficult saying goodbye to our families this morning, particularly as we don’t know when we’ll finish the race and return home – but we’re definitely in it to win it and ready to do them all proud.”
The race could take 35 to 70 days to complete, and the team members will row in two-hour shifts in pairs around the clock.
Sir Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: “The team are facing an incredible challenge, but I know how determined they are to bring home a win for Yorkshire.
“Best of luck to them, I know they’ll do us proud.”
The Royal British Legion provides lifelong support for people involved with the Armed Forces, including serving men and women, veterans, and their families.
Soldier On! is a charity recruitment organisation whose purpose is to secure civilian employment opportunities for people leaving the services, and former members of the armed forces, who have got a disability, lifechanging sickness or long-term injury.
View more information at www.row4victory.com.