Alumna aims to break two ocean rowing world records
21 October 2014
Kate Hallam (Physics, 2001) is one of a team of four women setting out to break two ocean rowing world records whilst raising awareness and funding for the mental health charity Mind.
Kate writes about the challenge:
“The team is participating in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge 2015, a race which sees 30 ocean rowing teams row from La Gomera in the Canary Islands across the Atlantic Ocean to Antigua in the Caribbean. There is a constant battle of sleep deprivation, blisters, salt sores and the physical extremes that the row will inflict from two-hour shifts around the clock for weeks on end, facing all the raw elements of the Atlantic Ocean.
More people by far have climbed Everest or been into space than have successfully rowed the Atlantic, and it is considered to be one of the toughest challenges on the planet
Made of wood, fibreglass, carbon fibre and Kevlar the boats are approximately 7 metres long and just under 2 metres wide. Each boat has a small cabin, which is the only protection against the might of the ocean and powerful sun rays. All boats are equipped at the race start, and cannot take any repair, help or food and water during the crossing.
We aim to be the first women’s four to cross the finish line in early 2016 and break two world records in the process:
- The fastest four women’s crew to cross the Atlantic (current record 67 days)
- The fastest all women crew to cross the Atlantic (current record 5 women, 45 days)
Through this row we also aim to raise awareness of mental illness as well as £10,000 in donations for our chosen charity, Mind. For more than 65 years Mind has been committed to making sure that everyone experiencing a mental health problem can access the support they need and are treated with the respect they deserve. It is estimated that one in four people will experience some kind of mental health problem in the course of a year, however, few people talk about their experiences and reach for help.
Donations can be made on our JustGiving page
The support of partners will allow us to acquire the necessary equipment and entry fees in order to complete the challenge. We have a number of partner packages available and also need support in the form of goods and service providers – from equipment to food, PR and IT. In return we can provide valuable marketing, advertising and endorsement opportunities. Please get in touch if of interest to atlanticendeavour15 [at] gmail [dot] com.
You can find out more about the team and read our blogs etc on our website. Hope you enjoy following us on our journey!”