Glasgow biscuit legend backs Atlantic rowing challenge

Supplies of one of Scotland’s most famous biscuits will help to power two woman as they bid to row their way across the Atlantic Ocean.

Leanne Maiden, from Bearsden, and Sabrina Simpson from Stirling, will be attempting the 3000 mile voyage in their boat which is dressed up as a giant Tunnock’s Caramel Wafer.

90-year-old Sir Boyd Tunnock, who has had a passion for sailing for over 60 years, “launched” the vessel at the firm’s famous factory in Uddingston.

A test of endurance

Thrilled Sir Boyd, who skippers his own yacht Lemarac (caramel spelled backwards) said: “Only 13 pairs of women have ever attempted this feat.

“It’s a test of endurance and skill, rowing two hours on two hours off, for up to 60 days.

“I’m inspired by the girls and their tenacity… and I’m delighted to be backing their campaign.”

Leanne and Sabrina, who call themselves the She rOars had never rowed before they signed up to the challenge during lockdown, in February 2021.

They need to raise £200,000 to complete the race and donate to their three charities - The Women’s Fund for Scotland, The Polar Academy and The Mabel Foundation.

So far, they have £75,000 from a range of sponsors and donors including Tunnock’s.

Gym training

Mum-of two, Leanne, 41, an osteopath, of Bearsden, Dunbartonshire, said: “We’re well on our way, but we need others to get behind us.

“We’re training hard on rowing machines and on the rivers and lochs of Scotland, before we move on to the Irish Sea, the western side of Scotland and the Caledonian Canal.”

The challenge starts at La Gomera in the Canaries on December 12 when they will row 3000 miles across the Atlantic to Antigua in the Caribbean.

Record bid

They’ll row two hours on, two hours off 24 hours a day.

Sabrina, 44, a pilates instructor, said: “The record we are trying to beat is 45 days but the estimated time for the journey is 50-60 days.

“We’re so grateful to Tunnock’s for their cash injection.

“We’ll eat freeze dried food during the challenge but have a huge supply of caramel wafers on board to keep us going.”

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