While steering more efforts towards the yachting niche, Barbados continues to pique the interest of persons in the broader sailing and rowing arena, and by the end of this month, the island will welcome more than ten teams presently rowing across the Atlantic.
The rigorous row is a part of the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, where 17 teams set off from the Canary Islands on December 5 on the 3000 mile trek across the Atlantic to Barbados, and are set to arrive around the end of January.
One of the teams participating in the row are the Row2Recovery team, a six-an team comprising four former soldiers who suffered life-changing injuries in the line of duty and two able-bodied colleagues.
The Row2Recovery team has undertaken the mammoth mission to not only reach the island first, but as a charitable effort in a bid to raise £1 million for respective charities including Help for Heroes, ABF – The Soldiers Charity and the Soldiers, Sailors, Airman and Families Association (SSAFA).
Alex McKenzie, co-founder of Row2Recovery and crew member, explained that the team is very determined to complete the journey, while also expressing his gratitude to all their supporters who have helped them to raise over £675000 so far for charity.
As of January 6, the Row2Recovery team stacked up in fourth position, a commendable feat in light of five team withdrawals thus far. The Ministry of Tourism and The Barbados Council for the Disabled have pledged their support for the efforts of the Row2Recovery team. All teams are expected to dock at Port St. Charles on their arrival.
Adapted from the Barbados Advocate, January 16, 2012.
Click on the link o see a one minute video on the Row2Recovery team.
