The Mermaid Atlantic team and a band of supporters gathered on the bank of the River Medina earlier this week 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!
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: Owner of mobile surf school Chris Mannion; Ventnor longshoreman and firefighter Paul Berry, and multi-faceted entrepreneur Xavier Baker, co-founder of the Isle of Wight Distillery.
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.
They hope the bulging muscles and cheese grater six-packs subsequent to the relentless regiment will ensure they are up to the challenges presented by around the clock rowing, 30 foot waves and potential marlin strikes.
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