Childhood friends completing Atlantic Challenge
Three Devon childhood friends are set to finish in the top 10 of one of the world’s great endurance races this weekend.
Lewis Matthews (Dawlish), Chris Slack (Newton Abbot) and Charlie Medwin (Shaldon), known collectively as “All Oar Nothing” are due to complete the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, having rowed almost 3000 miles across the ocean.
The 29-year-old trio set off from La Gomera in the Canary Islands off Spain on 12 December and are set to land in Antigua on Sunday
Their arrival will be covered live at: https://www.facebook.com/atlanticcampaigns/
The crew were dealt a blow when a fourth crew member Tom Whittle was forced out of the event with severe back problems before the event. But the crew have responded to the adversity and despite challenging weather conditions, huge waves, resullting in broken oars and auto-helm, severe blisters, sleep deprivation and exhaustion are on course to complete the challenge in 38 days.
The challenge is far more than just a single row. It’s a two year mission of meticulous preparation. Buying, organising, learning about and preparing the boat, coordinating crew members across three continents, learning the appropriate navigation, seamanship and survival skills necessary and training like professional athletes to get their bodies in the condition to endure such hardship.
Sue Cox of Teignmouth-based SeaSports South West, who helped train the crew said: “Rowing across the Atlantic is one of the planet’s great challenges and it cannot be underestimated the physical and psychological barriers which Atlantic rowers need to overcome. It has been a real pleasure working with the guys to equip them with all the knowledge and skills to succeed. It’s a real Devon success story.”
All Oar Nothing are taking part in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge to raise funds for four charities; Kidney Cancer UK, OneSight, Right to Play and EHE Race Cancer Charity UK.
You can still pledge support at https://www.alloarnothing.co.uk/sponsor
