Known as ‘the world’s toughest row’, the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge is no ordinary sporting event. It takes dedication, endurance and grit to row 3000 miles across the Atlantic, and that’s why Metzger Search & Selection have decided to sponsor the home-grown, all female rowing team from Devon, called Astro to Atlantic. They undertake the 2018 challenge in support of the Devon Air Ambulance Trust.
Even though Astro to Atlantic will have 60 days to complete the race (corresponding witKh the food supply the are required to take under the race rules), the team’s objective is to break the 2017 race world record for a female crew – which stands at 34 days as of January 17th 2017.
James Flew, co-found of Metzger Search and Selection drove the company’s involvement. He says, “Apart from my personal connection to Devon, we decided to support the Astro to Atlantic team because these rowers embody diversity, talent, determination and hard work. It’s a collection of qualities that we champion at Metzger, not only in our own team but for our clients.”
The four rowers are Helen Symons, Louise Read, Chloe Harvey and Gemma Harvey. They have a well-established sporting background in hockey, but have traded in their hockey sticks for oars as they prepare to undertake the gruelling trans-Atlantic odyssey. They start from La Gomera in the Canary Islands, and finish in the Caribbean Leeward islands, at Antigua.
They are expected to endure physical, mental and meteorological challenges from sleep deprivation, dehydration, huge calorie deficits, to hallucinations, salt sores and waves up to 60 feet high. They will have to call upon discipline and strength to complete the 90-day challenge in a 23-foot-long rowing boat.
James Flew continues: “By undertaking this challenge, the Astro to Atlantic team is also giving back to the local community and supporting Devon Air Ambulance Trust as their chosen charity – a vital resource in the county. We wish these remarkable women our very best on the challenge.”
To find out more visit their website: http://www.Astro-To-Atlantic.co.uk