Two fantastic WaterAid supporters are taking part in the Woodvale Atlantic Rowing Challenge, starting on 6 December 2009.
Norman Beech, manager of the outdoor pursuit centre at the University of Birmingham, and his son James, will cover over 2,500 nautical miles from La Gomera in the Canaries to Antigua in the West Indies.
The duo want to break the trans-Atlantic world record currently held by another father and son team at 78 days. Norman and James hope to complete it in 65 days or less.
James also aims to be the youngest rower to cross the Atlantic, hoping to cross the finish line just before his 19th birthday.
Ahead of their sail across the Atlantic, the pair have been talking about the possible dangers that may await them:
James: "We might come across the occasional whale or shark, but as long as the whale is not going to bump into the boat and as long as we are not in the water while a shark is around they are quite easy dangers to avoid."
Norman: "You are looking at 25-30ft waves. While it isn't the whole height of the wave that's breaking, it's a pretty big lump of water that is breaking and turning over."
James also points out: "For 60 days or so, we will only see each other and over time our relationship will develop and be challenged. At the moment we are good friends - and I'm hoping it will stay that way!"
At the end of the race they aim to sell the boat, donating the money raised to WaterAid.
"We are trying to change 2,000 people's lives, that's our goal," said Norman.
The pair are taking on an amazing and daunting journey, and we want to thank them for using their Atlantic row to raise money for WaterAid!
- Read more about their amazing adventure, see how they are doing and get updates on their mascot 'Joe the Swimmer' by visiting the blog they will be keeping at www.sport.bham.ac.uk/transatlantic
- Support them on JustGiving here
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