Rowing the Atlantic for a Sustainable Future

With a mission to protect, preserve and promote at-risk environments, what better way to fundraise than to row across the ocean. Hoping to raise huge funds for the Pelorus Foundation, the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge is a brilliant initiative to kickstart our conservation journey.

As the first major fundraising event for the Foundation, a challenge which in 2019 saw the world’s first certified carbon-neutral expedition cross the Atlantic, it is quite fitting to the cause. Latitude 35’s boat is equipped with solar panels and desalinators used to remove 99% of the salt (making seawater potable, thus eliminating the need for single-use plastic bottles). The team have stocked up on biodegradable bamboo toothbrushes, compostable rubbish bags and wet-wipes for washing. All plastic and paraphernalia taken on board is counted and weighed; with the idea that what goes out, must come back.

Surrounded by wilderness, amidst wondrous sights so few have seen, makes enduring this challenge more worthwhile. With access to satellite communications and advanced tracking, the plan is to live broadcast on social media whilst mid-Atlantic. This is a fantastic opportunity to not only promote, but educate people that the vast marine ecosystem is vital for our planet’s existence.

Following countless expeditions to secluded corners of the world, Jimmy’s involvement with the Foundation stems from his desire to protect our planet. Covering 71% of the Earth’s surface, and producing half of the oxygen we breathe, oceans undeniably deserve our protection. This is our first of many future efforts to raise funds which will be distributed amongst the projects we create and support. 

Latitude 35

Jimmy has been welcomed into an established team with a legacy of achieving the seemingly impossible. Having undertaken numerous endurance races both on land and at sea, Jimmy describes Latitude 35 to be, “a team already stead in plenty of heritage and pedigree.” Latitude 35 have previously held the world record for a four-man boat and crossed the Atlantic twice before, which gives the team the unique opportunity to win the race twice.

Preparation

Training the mindset to persevere, is just as important as training the body for immense physicality. Having the mentality to overcome both physical and mental exhaustion as they embrace the vast ocean, coming face to face with 20ft rolling walls of water, is key.

Completely self-sustained, the team will take approximately 40 litres of water onboard per day, carrying all of their food and rations throughout. A minimum of 55 days’ worth of rations is required and is based on calories per kilogram of each racer. The average team weight is 90 kilograms – a weight contribution to consider for the overall boat speed. Unassisted, the team will face the challenge of self-sufficiency amidst the vast open ocean where landmass won’t be sighted for weeks. With support being potentially hours away, the team are responsible for dealing with any issue. With complex technicalities, daily shift patterns will work as two hours on, two hours off with two rowers rowing at any one time.

This year’s build up to the event has proved unique with lockdowns throughout the year. Latitude 35 have only recently started training together as a team and have battled against some of the toughest conditions a rowing team have faced during training. If conditions turn hostile, the team have practised rowing three people on as a maximum at any one point, a routine of 2 hours on and just 40 minutes off whilst travelling at 1 knot an hour.

“It’s tough. You absolutely need the mental resilience.”

We wish the best of luck to Latitude 35 as they prepare to embark on the adventure of a lifetime. The funds raised from this challenge for the Pelorus Foundation, will go towards existing initiatives to accelerate the pace of change towards a more sustainable future in protecting our environment.

Keep an eye out for more news as we follow Jimmy – thanks to sponsors (Inmarsat), the team are fully kitted out with tracking gear, allowing us to follow their journey across the Atlantic.