Rommel

Champion set for attempt to break Atlantic row record

October 08 2004

A CHAMPION rower will be taking on the waves of the Atlantic single handed to raise money for two cancer charities.
Chris Martin could spend more than three months in the boat next year crossing the ocean from the Canary Islands to Antigua — a distance of more than 3,000 miles The challenge could take more than 100 days and Chris has his eye on breaking the record for a one-man row across the Atlantic. It is currently held by Russian Fedor Konyukhov who has a time of 46 days and four hours.

Most of the other rowers taking part in the event in November next year organised by Ocean Rowing Society will have at least one other person to share the work with but Chris has decided to tackle the Atlantic on his own.

“I know it’s going to be very demanding,” Chris said. “However, it’s amazing how much self-confidence just agreeing to take part has given me.”

Chris, 23, isn’t phased about being struck in the middle of the Atlantic with help a long way away.

“There are yachts following the event in case anyone gets into serious difficulty,” he explained.

“They could be anything up to 100 miles away so you’re not completely on your own but to a large degree you have to sort yourself out.”

Molesey Boat Club’s deputy captain took up rowing while at Hampton School because he lacked the co-ordination for football and rugby.

In a decade on the water, Chris has competed for Great Britain on six consecutive occasions, starting at the World Junior Championships, then under-23 level and finally in the senior category.

His medal count stands at three bronze, two silver and one gold.

On the national racing stage Chris has left his opponents in his wash in more than 60 races.

As well as breaking the record for the Atlantic row, Chris has set himself a target of raising £30,000 to ensure he can take part in the challenge.

His first major sponsor Stappard Howes —– one of the largest suppliers of network infrastructure services to the mobile telecommunications industry in the United Kingdom — has come on board.

However, Chris is still looking for more. Once sponsors have been found, Chris — who will be competing under the name TransAtlantic Force — can then be assured of raising thousands of pounds for his two charities.

He has chosen to support the Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign and The Prostate Cancer Charity.

“I have a personal attachment to the two charities because I know people who have had breast and prostate cancer scares,” Chris explained.

To make it across the Atlantic, Chris will use a boat that is just in excess of seven metres long and two metres wide.

Weighing three quarters of a ton, the boat will hold everything Chris will need to complete the marathon voyage.

Personal preparation is another important part of the challenge. Chris told the News & Mail that he is stepping up his training following a summer relaxing.

“My training will end up with about 20 to 25 hours per week of endurance training,” he said.

“Along with exercise sessions I will also be doing a lot of work on the water.”

With the hard slog of preparation getting underway, Chris will still find time to enjoy himself.

A great opportunity will be on Friday (October 8) when Molesey Boat Club is hosting a TransAtlantic Force fundraiser.

The special event will include a finger buffet and bar with late license with entertainment provided by a live jazz band.

For more information about Chris’ record breaking attempt or to be a sponsor or to book tickets for the fundraising party call him on 07967 826833.

Alternatively you can email him at chris@transatlanticforce.co.uk