By Isle of Wight Observer
Newport Rowing Club have completed their mammoth row across the Atlantic Ocean, and all from their own homes and back gardens!
Members of the club embarked on the virtual challenge five weeks ago, following the course of the world famous Talisker Atlantic Challenge from the Canaries to Antigua, to raise funds for the Mountbatten Hospice. With a mass sprint on the final day they covered the last 1,600meters simultaneously in under 10 minutes via a Zoom meeting. The whole 4,700 km was covered in 37 days, with Matt Whishaw and Suzanne Whitehouse giving stand-out performances, covering 500km each.
Along with Matt and Suzanne, Gurli Metcalf, Chris and Julie Clarke, and Kathy West all completed full marathon distances. The team have raised over £1,000 along the way for Mountbatten Hospice. Organiser Julie Clarke said: “I would like to thank everyone that has rowed, and everyone that has supported us. It has been a great five weeks for the team with rowers from age 11 up to 68 taking part. A special thank you to Shanklin Sandown RC juniors who have rowed 950km for us, very well done everyone I am really proud of you all.”
It’s not too late to support them by donating to Mountbatten on:
https://www.mountbatten.org.uk/newport-rowing-club-mountbatten-hospice-fundraiser
*Pictured are top performers Suzanne Whitehouse and Matt Whishaw
Isle of Wight Observer