Epic trans-Atlantic crossing planned by Mexborough fundraiser
A MEXBOROUGH fund-raiser and his sister are to embark on a 3,000 mile rowing challenge to raise money for charities.
Louis Webb, a member of St John’s Church congregation is taking on the trans-atlantic attempt with his sister Giorgia – called the ‘world’s toughest row’ in November, after three years’ training, racing from La Gomera in the Canaries to Antigua in the Caribbean.
Their boat was recently blessed by St John’s Vicar Father Edward Morrison, praying for their safety and God’s presence throughout the journey.
Louis and Giorgia have had to complete mandatory courses and a minimum of 170 hours of open ocean rowing in their boat.
The training includes making fresh water, ‘man overboard’ drills, navigation, cooking and general living on board. They will carry 65 days’ food supplies, but expect to do the crossing within 50 days.
The ‘Rannoch R25’ boat is specially designed for the ocean. It is practically unsinkable with separate and airtight compartments. There are two tiny cabins at either end of the boat for extra storage and a flat surface which can be used as a bed. A Jetboil will be used for cooking dehydrated food, and a water maker will convert seawater into fresh drinking water.
Since the Atlantic Race started in 1997, over €19,000,000 has been raised for charities across the UK and the world. Louis and Giorgia will be fundraising for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, Alzheimer’s Research UK, the Monviso Nepal Foundation, and the Retraining of Racehorses organisation.
Louis said: “This is a formidable task, and we will face many challenges on the way, so it’s important for us to have the boat blessed.
"As a member of St John’s Church in Mexborough, I asked Father Edward if he would conduct a blessing which, I’m pleased to say, he was very happy to do. Knowing that we have God’s blessing and the prayers of all the congregation is a great strength to us.”
Father Edward Morrison said: “It was a privilege to bless Louis’ boat, and he and Giorgia go very much with our prayers. I was really encouraged when asked to do it, and to see how much it meant to them to go with God’s blessing, and see that strong sense of dependence on Him for the success of this incredible journey.”