Devon girls rowing for record
Two Devon women attempting a world best have linked up with SeaSports Southwest in their quest to become the fastest female pair to row across the Atlantic Ocean.
University of Exeter Masters Medicine students Rosie Alterman and Charlie Fleurywill launch their attempt at the 2020 Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge starting in December, aiming to beat the current best of 50 days.
The adventurous pair who have also worked together in Royal Devon and Exeter’s Accident and Emergency department will be known as the Emergensea Girls for the 3000 mile test of endurance.
The pair, who are studying a Masters in Extreme Medicine, have an appetite for overcoming adversity. Charlie, 30, has undergone a tumultuous few years with her health, having half a bowel removed and requiring major pelvic surgery.
28-year-old Rosie is an endurance sport addict and has completed multiple marathons and long-distance triathlons.
But both are less experienced rowers and have turned to Teignmouth-based SeaSports SW, who have trained hundreds of rowers since 2013 to cross the Atlantic, including seven record-breaking crews.
Sue Cox, co-owner of SeaSports Southwest said: “We train thousands of people in all aspects of water sports every year from beginners to experienced ocean-goers. But we are particularly keen on encouraging more women and children to take part in water sports.”
“We have been really inspired by the spirit, determination and ambition of Rosie and Charlie and we will be supporting them with training, access to facilities and equipment for their world record attempt.”
Exeter-based Charlie, originally from Windsor, said: “Most teams start training a year and a half ahead of the challenge, building both their strength and endurance. The operation has been a bit of a set back and recovery is slow. From March we are training in earnest and playing catch up with the rest.
That’s why the support and guidance from experts like SeaSports is so important to us. We have set ourselves a huge challenge and we need the best team behind us. We are so grateful to Sue, Tim and Sam at Seasports for choosing us to support and we aim to be on the start line in December in the best place we can, physically and mentally.”
Shaldon-based Rosie, who was born in New Zealand said: “There are so many inspiring stories about women achieving incredible sporting feats.
We’re completely awed by long distance swimmer Sara Thomas who swam the channel four times back-to-back last year, and Jasmine Paris, who broke the record for the 268-mile Montane Spine Race along the Pennine Way in January while still expressing milk to feed her daughter.”
Emergensea Girls are raising funds for Devon Air Ambulance at the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge. Donate and find out more here.
