A West Cumbrian man is currently in training for the world’s toughest rowing race later this year.
David Ferrier, of Westnewton, near Maryport, and Garry Hoyle, of the North East, will attempt to cross the Atlantic from the Canary Islands to Antigua in 50 days.
The pair are raising funds for the Great North Air Ambulance and are aiming to hit a £25,000 target.
The unsupported race will see them rowing 24 hours a day – two hours on and two hours off – battling 30ft waves and around 45 other teams to reach the finish line.
David, 61, who is retired, said he loved a challenge and had taken part in several over the years and as a sailor, the race had appealed to him.
The project has cost around £150,000 so far – including a specially made boat called Molly Moo for the pair to cross the Atlantic in.
David said: “I saw the race advertised and thought I’d like to enter it solo for my 60th birthday. It never quite happened but Gary is 60 this year so we thought we’d do it.”
Setting off on December 12 means they will be at sea on Christmas Day and while they will be eating dry rations for the majority of the challenge, David said: “I plan to take wet rations for Christmas Day, so I’ll be eating my Christmas dinner out of a bag!”
He will also be celebrating his 62nd birthday four days after the race begins.
They have called themselves Seas the Moments and training has been a mixture of indoor rowing and training as well as on Coniston.
David said: “For an ocean row, you can actually go into it relatively unfit but mentally you’ve got to be very strong. We’re hoping it will take us 50 days but it could be up to 60 or 70 days.”
The training rules changed recently and the pair were able to go out to sea.
David said: “After a fantastic row heading south along the Cumbrian coastline, the rudder was suddenly fouled by something. We don’t yet know what was caught around it, but the rudder was forced into a 90 degree position, and all steering was lost.
“We were extremely prepared with multiple satellite phones, VHF radio, AIS locator and mobile phones, and decided to call the Coastguard to advise them that we were not in immediate danger, but to be aware of a boat that had lost its steering. We were able to provide all the necessary details, as well as our precise latitude and longitude.
“With the weather worsening, the Coastguard requested an RNLI launch to tow them to shore. Workington RNLI were absolutely fantastic, just wonderful in every way.
This was one of those times where preparation, knowledge, and training, simply didn’t help. We are extremely grateful. It is something that can happen to anyone that goes to sea.
“We will be making a donation to the RNLI, and encourage anyone that does use the coastal waters to do the same, as you never know when you might need them.”
Workington RNLI towed the rowers back to harbour.
To help Seas the Moments raise money for the Great North Air Ambulance, click here
