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Five men, one boat, 2,961 miles, one huge challenge
On 29 January this year five exhausted rowers pulled into Nelsons Dockyard in Antigua after 37 gruelling days at sea. Simon Chalk, Ian Couch, Mike Martin, George Oliver and Ben Thackwray, known as the Atlantic Six, had set off on 23 December from Marina La Gomera in the Canary Islands with the aim of breaking the world record for rowing across the Atlantic, and of raising funds and awareness for WaterAid's work at the same time. Although the Atlantic Six did not break the current record, which stands at 35 days and eight hours, their crossing is the fastest recorded to Antigua (as other teams have docked in Barbados), and the fifth fastest crossing of the Atlantic from east to west. The boat faced serious weather conditions towards the end of the trip including very high winds, which forced them to take a longer route than planned. After over a month at sea huge crowds and a steel band welcomed the boat into Antigua; the team was relieved to be on dry land and overwhelmed by their achievement.
The life of an Atlantic rower certainly has its ups and downs. Team member George Oliver spoke of sightings of dolphins, sharks and flying fish, the exhilaration of riding 30ft high waves and the beauty of rowing at night. He also gave us some insights into conditions on board, particularly on how to avoid blisters in sensitive areas. The boys came up with a unique solution to this tricky problem - rowing nude! The issue of access to safe water really hit home when for the team when one of their water desalinators broke down and they were forced to ration this vital resource. WaterAid would like to say a huge congratulations to the team, and all those who supported them, for completing this amazing challenge. If you would like to read more about their trip please visit www.atlanticsix.com.
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