This week, the Mermaid Atlantic team and a band of supporters gathered on the bank of the River Medina to launch their Rannoch 45 rowing boat, now adorned with sponsor logos.
The team also took the opportunity for a formal ceremony to rename the boat ‘Mermaid’, including an ode to Poseidon in accordance with folklore amongst seafarers.
Team member Chris Mannion’s daughter took on the important role of naming the boat, while the pouring and swigging of Mermaid Gin was left to the crew members!
Taking part in “the world’s toughest row”
This December, the team will head to La Gomera, where they will embark on the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, known as ‘the world’s toughest row’.
The gruelling mission will see the team row 3,000 miles from the Canary Islands to the Caribbean in support of ocean preservation, raising funds for organisations Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Surfers Against Sewage and The Seahorse Trust.
The Mermaid Atlantic team is made up of three Islanders: Chris Mannion, owner of iSurf; Paul Berry, Ventnor longshoreman and firefighter, and Xavier Baker, co-founder of the Isle of Wight Distillery.
Daily training
All members of the team are well versed in ocean sports, with skills in sailing, surfing and kayaking.
However, all but Paul are novice rowers, so the crew have been training daily, undertaking a strict exercise regime and participating in safety courses, to ensure they are up to the challenges presented by around the clock rowing, 30 foot waves and potential marlin strikes.
Support from sponsors
The team are supported in their adventure by a host of Island businesses and organisations, including Visit Isle of Wight, Indigo Marine, Adrift Visuals, Rapanui and main sponsor, the Isle of Wight Distillery.
They have also received sponsorship from mainland and overseas businesses, such as Mustang Survival, Elliot Brown, Vetro Elite and the Hinton Group.
Baker: We’re hugely grateful to all our sponsors
Speaking on behalf of the crew, Xavier Baker said,
“We’re hugely grateful to all our sponsors who have donated kit and funds to get us to this point.
“Now the boat is looking brilliant, we’re excited to be on the water and ready to crack on with training!”
Sponsor the team
If you or your business would like to sponsor the team to take part in the , “the world’s toughest row” for charity visit the Website.
Donations to the charities can be made via the Mermaid Website.
News shared by Ginnie on behalf of Isle of Wight Distillery. Ed
