Jeremy, former KCS staff member and former employee of RGB Ltd, a long-standing KCS customer, will be crossing the Atlantic in the “The Toby Wallace” as part of a 7 man crew in aid of the North Devon Hospice. “The Toby Wallace” and the “Oystershack” will be going head to head across the Atlantic to try and break the world record of a gruelling 32 day crossing, starting from the Canary Islands and ending in Barbados.
The crew have arrived in Puerto de Mogan (the Canary Islands) where the race begins, to start their preparation. In 30 degree heat, they suffered some logistical problems with engines and trailers, which were soon fixed, and have since spent a few days putting hand lines and finishing touches to the boats before heading out for some trial rows and trimming the boat. They are now down to a 7 man and 5 man crew (from 8 and 6) due to late health problems.
Jeremy and Oliver (another crew member) had the task of packing the food onto the boat. They had 588 bags of freeze dried meals (3 each per day) 196 snack packs and 294 protein drinks, to last them throughout the voyage. While they were hard at work doing that, the rest of the team were checking the electrics and painting blades.
The “Toby Wallace” and “Oystershack” crews are on standby to leave Puerto de Mogan on Sunday 23rd November. They are monitoring the weather system closely to ensure a safe departure. While they are on standby they have been doing plenty of safety drills, on water training and getting used to life on-board as this will be their home for the next month or so.
Ali Hunt, North Devon Hospice’s Head of Fundraising, said that Jeremy’s journey would be something very special: “I was blown away when Jeremy told me he was going to be rowing across the Atlantic, but the fact that he is also attempting to break the world record is just amazing. While it’s sure to be gruelling, it will also be the experience of a lifetime. We’re so thrilled that he is choosing to raise money for North Devon Hospice. Without support like this, we wouldn’t be able to provide our care to local people affected by cancer and other life-limiting illnesses.”
KCS are pleased to be able to support such a challenging task and a worthy cause. We wish both crews good luck and a safe and exciting journey. We will keep you up to date on their progress!
For more information or to donate, click here.
To follow their progress, click here.
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