3,000 Nautical Miles, Three World Records, Three Ladies and 1 Boat: McMurdo supports the Atlantic Ladies with safety devices for 2017 Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge
16 October, Portsmouth, UK: McMurdo, the most trusted name in emergency readiness and response and part of the Orolia Group, are supporting the trio of mature rowing enthusiasts, the Atlantic Ladies, as they prepare to tackle the challenge of their lives for charity in the world’s toughest rowing challenge.
On 12 December 2017, the Atlantic Ladies will set out from San Sebastian de La Gomera, Spain, joining rowers from all over the world to row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean to the Caribbean island of Antigua to complete the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge.
This is the world’s toughest rowing race; more people have been into space or climbed Mount Everest than have rowed across the Atlantic Ocean. However, the team, made up of business owner Di Carrington, aged 61, lawyer Elaine Theaker, aged 54, and midwife Sharon Magrath, aged 54, face more than the test of adverse weather conditions, hunger and sleep deprivation. They are also facing not one, but three world records: the oldest woman to row across the Atlantic Ocean (the current record stands at 57 years old), the only crew of three females to row any ocean and the fastest crew of three females to row any ocean. Furthermore, since one team member decided to withdraw in June due to personal reasons, their record breaking has been turned into record setting as no female trio has ever attempted this challenge before.
In order to ensure the Atlantic Ladies remain safe in any eventuality during their Atlantic crossing, McMurdo has provided the team with Personal Locator Beacons and a SmartFind G5 GPS EPIRB. This proven and trusted safety equipment greatly increases the chance of rescue in an emergency situation and recently won the NMEA Safety Device award at their 2017 convention.
“I can’t tell you how grateful we are for McMurdo’s support,” Atlantic Ladies team member, Di Carrington, says. “Our experiences in the Norman Race in preparation for the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge has taught us the importance of preservation of life above all else and McMurdo has been fantastic in providing us with our Personal Locator Beacons and SmartFind G5 GPS EPIRB, giving us the peace of mind to face this challenge head on.”
Sean McCrystal, Marketing Manager at McMurdo, adds, “We wish Di, Elaine and Sharon every success in the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge. The task ahead of these inspirational women is monumental and it is our pleasure to support them, ensuring they have the necessary equipment to ensure their safety and help facilitate their success.”
The Atlantic Ladies are motivated by much more than a desire to set records. They are tackling this enormous challenge to raise money for charities close to their hearts; Relapsing Polychondritis UK, Alzheimer’s Society, Motor Neurone Disease Association and Macmillan Cancer Support. Di says, “Two close members of my family have been diagnosed with cancer in recent months and a close friend has a rare life limiting condition. I am doing this for my friend’s new charity and to prove I can achieve something in the face of adversity, making me stronger to care for those I love.”
Sharon Magrath adds, “I am now at an age where I appreciate how very fortunate I am to continue to enjoy good health and realise how life’s circumstances can quickly change. This challenge is about celebrating life and showing you are never too old to learn something new and to challenge yourself.”