30 Days to Go

In just 30 days we will set off on the adventure of a lifetime — rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean as part of the World’s Toughest Row - Atlantic.

We are very conscious that this challenge will test every ounce of endurance, teamwork, and determination we have.   What began as a discussion with friends on a 60th golfing trip has become a mission to push us beyond our comfort zone and show that age is just a number.

This is more than a race — it’s a journey and a life changing experience .

Preparation

The past few months have been an intense blur of preparation  to ensure that we have fully complied with  the strict race requirements and rules. Our boat, Brizo, is en-route (via shipping container) to the boat park and start line in La Gomera, Canary Islands. Every equipment item we’ll need is hopefully on board, with enough food to last us 65 days at sea. 

On the 27th of October we made a 460 mile round trip to undertake a “water maker” maintenance and repair course in Weston-Super-Mare. Big thank you to Jim MacDonald at Mactra Marine Equipment and Mike and Maura at the Owl’s Crest for hosting us.

At the beginning of the month we completed a land based Phase 3 training programme with The Ocean Rowing Academy - another big thank you to Duncan Roy and Aaron Kneebone for their continued support.

Our Skipper, Richard, has said on many occasions over the last 3 years that the hardest part will be getting  to the start line. Now that we are nearly there  we are hopefully in great shape, physically and mentally, to tackle what lies ahead .

Mind Over Matter

We recently spent a full day with Matrix Performance, who are helping us prepare for what may be the toughest challenge of all — the mental battle.

Rowing across an ocean isn’t just a physical test; it’s a psychological marathon, and their guidance has been invaluable in helping us build the resilience and mindset needed to face the highs and potential lows that lie ahead.

From visualisation exercises, to coping strategies for fatigue and isolation, their support has given us the tools to stay focused and strong when the going gets tough - one quote being particularly pertinent;

We’re incredibly grateful to Tommy and Luke  for their time, expertise, and belief in us.

SPONSORS

Since our last blog we are delighted to announce that we have an official Oar Sponsor - Sentio Partners  who are a Leeds based independent corporate finance advisory firm . We have had amazing encouragement from Sentio who will also be doing their own “ row along “ challenge in the office whilst we are out on the Atlantic. After the our row is completed we will be presenting them with a set of oars which will be on display in their appropriately named Boardroom “ Atlantic”.

Our Headline sponsor , Begbies Traynor Group, have been incredibly  supportive throughout our journey . Julian Pitts , Regional Managing Partner , has been relentless in helping us in every single aspect of this challenge - including polite reminders (!)  to update our blog to coincide with their own “ Race to Antigua “ which will involve their office teams doing various ocean inspired challenges whilst we are out at sea.

It’s amazing to know that, even from thousands of miles away, there will be people pulling alongside us, stroke for stroke. Their enthusiasm and encouragement is and continues to be invaluable, and we can’t thank them enough for being an integral part of the GREENS2BLUE  story.

Charitable Fundraising 

So, as the departure day draws near, the excitement is building — but so is the reality of what lies ahead.

Spending Christmas away from our families will undoubtedly be one of the toughest parts of this challenge, especially knowing the celebrations (food, drink, family and friends) we’ll be missing back home.

But every stroke we take will be driven by a deeper purpose: to raise vital funds for two incredible charities — Maggie’s – Home of Cancer Care, and the Friends of Alfie Martin. We have already raised in excess of £160,000.00 which will be spilt equally between the two charities. We have now set ourselves a new target of £200,000.00.

Their work changes lives, and it’s a privilege to be able row for them and know they are right behind us (not only in the boat but with their continued support). While we’ll be out on the Atlantic Ocean over the winter, battling the elements, we’ll carry with us the thought of all those we’re rowing for — our families, our supporters, and everyone who believes in what we’re doing.

Together, we’ll not count the days but make the days count….!

Follow Our Journey

You can follow our progress and behind-the-scenes updates here and on our social media channels:

📸 Instagram: @greens2blue

📘 Facebook: Greens2Blue

💙 Support our fundraising for Maggie’s and Friends of Alfie Martin:

👉 www.greens2blue.co.uk/donate-to-our-charities

David & Richard 🚣‍♂️👊🫡