Bexhillians to compete in world's toughest ocean rowing race

THE Rotary Club of Senlac is hosting the evening in support of the venture.

The team, consisting of Ian Allen, of Nottingham Rowing Club and Nick McCorry, Phil McCorry and Matt Hellier of Bexhill Rowing Club, will be competing in the Indian Ocean Race which starts next April from Geraldton, Western Australia.

Their goal is the paradise island of Mauritius - 3,000 nautical miles away across the Indian Ocean.

It is anticipated the crossing will take 50 '“ 90 days.

The event is the first organised race of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Historically the team of four will be the youngest adventurers to row in one direction across any ocean.

Of 279 recorded trans-ocean port departures (174 completed), only four have been across the Indian Ocean.

The Indian Ocean is hotter, has less favourable winds and currents and less predictable weather than the Atlantic Ocean.

The crew face the possibility of 50-foot waves and hurricane force winds. Sharks, whales and dolphins will be a common sight.

The team need to raise 80,000 to meet the Woodvale entry fee, buy their specialised rowing four and meet shipping, transport, accommodation, survival and general equipment costs, plus food and nutrition.

The Rotary Club of Senlac says sponsorship is critical, especially for the funding of the vessel.

The crew hope also to raise much-needed money and awareness for the Stroke Association and the Make-a-Wish Foundation (magical wishes to Children and young people fighting life-threatening illnesses).

The Rotary Club of Senlac are organising a fund-raising event at the Cooden Beach Hotel, on Wednesday, August 13 at 7pm for 7.30pm at which it is hoped guests will have an opportunity not only to meet the crew but to see their boat.

Tickets for the event are 20 to include a two-course dinner.

The event will be an opportunity to hear of the team's preparation, the construction of their craft and their training programme.

The Rotary Club of Senlac says: "More people have walked on the moon than have rowed the Indian Ocean, the world's toughest ocean rowing race."

More information about the evening can be obtained at: [email protected] Donations i support of the local endeavour may be made via the Rotary Club of Senlac.