Dorset man set to take on one of the World’s “toughest" endurance events
A Lyme Regis man is hoping to row across the Atlantic next year for Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support
A Lyme Regis man, keen to prove age is just a number, will swap home comforts for oars and ocean swell as he embarks on an extraordinary challenge to row across the Atlantic.
Dubbed the toughest endurance event on the water, ‘the Atlantic Dash’ is the world’s longest organised rowing event and spans over 3,000 miles from Lanzarote to Antigua.
Richard Blackmore, who is part of Team Sea Change Atlantic, hope to challenge expectations and raise significant funds for charities close to their hearts.
He told us: “We are a group of 50-something blokes who aren't yet ready for our pipe and slippers.”
For around 45 days, the crew will operate on a gruelling two-hours-on, two-hours-off routine, day and night, with only freeze-dried food and water supplies on board.
They’ll endure sleep deprivation, physical exhaustion, salt sores, and blisters – not to mention towering 30ft waves, storms, and seasickness.
The team of four will also have to contend with solitude and close quarters in a vessel barely bigger than a large van.
But the team insists it’s not about speed or records, “it’s about the spirit of adventure”.
Richard said: “Being the first or the fastest isn’t the aim in the Atlantic Dash. It’s about a group of people – diverse in background, ability, age and experience – coming together to achieve the same goal: to safely row across the Atlantic Ocean in a tiny ocean rowing boat.”
The Atlantic Dash sets off in early 2027 but for Richard and his team, the voyage has already begun.
They’re hoping to raise around £100,000 for Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support, Parkinson’s UK and Two Bays Trust.
Richard added: “It’s a chance to give something back because each of us, or our friends and families, have benefitted over the years from the support of some fantastic charities.
"For us, we are excited to raise money for, and awareness of, our three health and wellbeing-related charities.”
Take a look at the team's website here: https://www.seachangeatlantic.com/