An Ocean Adventure

We’re a team of three Dads based out of Seaford and Newhaven who have signed up to The World’s Toughest Row, The Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge which starts on 12th December 2022. With a combined age of over 150, we’re aiming to show people that the perception of a pipe and slippers life and ‘middle-aged spread’ is not mandatory. We’re raising funds for two charities close to our hearts: Wolo Foundation, a Seaford charity that supports families of those suffering from cancer, and Prostate Cancer UK.

The challenge is to row 3,000 miles unsupported from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua in the Caribbean. We’ll be aiming to do it 40-45 days and nights, rowing a gruelling shift pattern of two hours on, one hour off, nonstop until we hit Antigua, with temperatures regularly between 30–40ºC. Food will be consumed through rehydrated food packs, snack bars and hopefully the occasional fish we can catch. Water is provided by a solar powered desalination unit that converts sea water to drinking water. Each crew member will consume between 6,000 and 8,000 calories per day, with many rowers typically losing 1lb of body weight per day at sea. Our progress has been fantastic so far. Since signing up in the Spring of 2020 we already have two winters’ training behind us. Spring/summer preparations and training are now in full swing since our boat was delivered at the end of May 2021. We have already spent a 24- hour session aboard, getting used to the boat and its equipment, and realising quite how little personal space we have!

We have been fortunate to have some great early sponsors, who we will continue to publicise throughout our journey. Newhaven Marina and Simpson Marine have also committed to helping us with our boat preparations, and Sussex Sign Company are supporting us with visuals for the boat.

Water-based training will continue in Seaford Bay and beyond throughout the summer of 2022, and will include long rows of up to 72 hours. Our intention is to fully engage with the local and regional communities as much as possible and are happy to take part in events and interviews. We already have multiple schools and college bookings where we will be speaking to students about the boat, the challenge and the ocean. If you know of anyone who can help raise awareness or provide support in any way it would be greatly appreciated. L-R, Neil Furminger (57), Steve Woolley (46) and Matt Garman (53 at departure).

Flo – The Spirit of Sussex Freemasonry.

AAron MerryweAther

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We have a Just Giving account – https://www.just giving.com/team/ocean-dadventure?utm_source =facebook&utm_medium=team&utm_content =ocean-dadventure&utm_campaign=pfp-share&utm_ term=1458abf977054cde9f6cd622c870a56d

We’re also keen to talk to businesses who may want to gain access to the huge media following of the event – speak to Matt Garman on 07880 704800 or matt. garman@live.co.uk Matt Garman www.oceandadventure.com

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Keep me safe, you never know…