Yorkshire boat launch for Atlantic rowers

Yorkshire born Matthew Mackaness, Charlie Marlow and their boat are taking on 3,000 miles of treacherous waters, exhausting conditions and testing the limits of their relationship, on their quest to row across the Atlantic Ocean, in December 2009.

On June 22nd 2009, the boys will launch the vessel that is to become their home for the duration of their journey from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua in the Caribbean, as part of the Woodvale Challenge. The Atlantic Rowing Race has been described as “the toughest endurance race in the world” and the boys are set to compete in this epic contest on behalf of two charities: Brain Tumour UK and Shrewsbury House.

The lads chose to support Brain Tumour UK, as it is a charity close to their hearts. During their training process, the boys have got to know Yorkshire County Cricketer, Simon Guy, who underwent surgery on his brain in February this year. Thanks to the skill of Simon’s surgeon, he has made a speedy recovery, making a miraculous comeback to the 1st XI and fully supports both boys as they raise money for a cause that advances brain surgery techniques and treatments.

Simon will be joining the boys at the launch with ex-England cricketer, Alan Igglesden, who currently teaches at Woodhouse Grove School, Apperley Bridge and is living with a brain tumour. Both will be speaking about their experiences at the evening launch held at Rudding Park Hotel on the 22nd June from 18.30, which is being hosted by Jon Hammond.

In the morning of the 22nd June, the boys will launch their boat from Scarborough Rowing Club into the North Sea - with the support of children from the boys’ former Scarborough school, Bramcote, and the members of the rowing club.

In past Atlantic Row attempts, competitors have faced hurricanes, three tropical storms, shark attacks, multiple capsizes and dramatic rescues. Both Matthew and Charlie face all these possibilities. Show your support for their amazing journey and join them on the 22nd June at the beginning of their intrepid adventure.

Find out more about the journey at atlanticrow.com.

Matthew and Charlie aim to raise £50,000 for their chosen charities.