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The ORS Int. is the official adjudicator of ocean rowing records for Guinness World Records |
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Stu Turnbull & Ed Baylis (GB) |
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Atlantic ’06 - From Notion to Ocean! |
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In 1998, at the age of 17,
Stu Turnbull
had a chance meeting with the legendary Tom McClean that was to set
the gears in motion for the epic project that is Atlantic ‘06. It was
back in Gordonstoun School in the North of Scotland where Stu was
house mates with Tom McClean’s sons, James and Ryan. Stu got hold of
some copies of Tom’s books; one of them was an account of his
gruelling Atlantic voyage in an open rowing boat to become the first
man to row across the North Atlantic alone [Atlantic West to East]. This was inspirational
stuff and the seeds of adventure were sown. Stu asked Tom McClean all
about the Atlantic to which he replied ‘go and see for yourself’. As well as this moment of motivation, Stu had grown up on a hearty diet of his father’s expeditionary tales to wild places such as Antarctica and the stories of those that he met through his time at Gordonstoun School, an incredible place that certainly nurtures any adventurous aspirations. It was from growing up in this environment surrounded by such spirited and inspirational people that Stu’s notion of Atlantic ’06 emerged. Teaming up with ‘Big’ Ed Baylis, a true competitor who also loves to tackle a challenge and whose commitment and aspirations are firmly matched with Stu’s, Atlantic ’06 took a new more calculated direction. With their high spirits, their determination to succeed and your support they will bust a gut to see their goals realised. The challenge started taking shape about three years ago and has grown into a double edged endeavour. In Debra Veal’s old boat (formally the Troika Transatlantic, 2001) Stu and Ed are attempting to break the current world record for the classic and competitive E-W route which stands at an admirable 40 days and 5 hours, indeed, they hope to break the notorious 40 day barrier for this two man voyage. In addition to challenging the record the Atlantic ‘06 duo are raising as much funding and awareness as they can for their title charity Cancer Research UK. Stu and Ed are working hard to raise a feasible £200,000 that will go directly to supporting scientific investigation and palliative activities within Cancer Research UK that will benefit people not just in the UK but around the world. Recently Atlantic ‘06 also teamed up with the Marine Conservation Society and The Marine Turtle Research Group to conduct some observations whilst out in the Atlantic Ocean to contribute to their vital work in preserving this amazing environment. Please see our website for links to these organisations and see what you can do to help. Stu and Ed are set to head off from La Gomera in the Canary Island’s on December 10th 2006 and make port less than 40 days later at English Harbour in Antigua, Caribbean. This will be a backbreaking voyage and will test their physical and mental endurance to the extreme but they are determined to come through this adventure victorious. |
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Show your support for this incredible
undertaking by clicking on the link to our website |
