By Press Release
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 held 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 named the boat, while the pouring and swigging of Mermaid Gin was left to the crew members!
In December, the team will embark on the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, known as ‘the world’s toughest row’, covering 3,000 miles from the Canary Islands to the Caribbean in support of ocean preservation, raising funds for the Hampshire & 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.
Chris and Xavier 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.
The team are supported 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 also have sponsorship from mainland and overseas businesses.
Xavier 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!”
To find out more or sponsor the team visit iow.life/mermaidatlantic.