Val Wyatt Marine has thrown its support behind three fearless woman who will be rowing 3,000 miles unsupported across the Atlantic later this year to raise vital funds for charity. The marina has been confirmed as the Headline Sponsor for Team Excelsioar, who will take on “The World’s Toughest Row – Atlantic” this December.

Thumbs up! Team Excelsioar visited Val Wyatt Marine ahead of the race. (L to R: Caroline, Rachel, Lisa and Nicki)

The Berkshire-based trio, comprised of Caroline, Rachel and Nicki, are fundraising for the Thames Hospice and The Dash Charity (Domestic Abuse Stops Here). They will set off from San Sebastian in La Gomera, one of Spain’s Canary Islands, and make their way across the ocean to Nelson’s Dockyard in Antigua and Barbuda. The epic journey, which will see the team row 2 hours on 2 hours off, 24 hours a day for as long as it takes to get to their destination, is expected to take around 50 days. During the voyage, organised by Atlantic Campaigns, Team Excelsioar will have to contend with 30ft waves, sea-sickness, dehydration, sleep deprivation, salt sores, blisters, and less than glamorous toilet facilities – a bucket on deck!

Training is underway for Team Excelsioar!

Lisa Anacora, Managing Director at Val Wyatt Marine, said: “I am delighted that Val Wyatt Marine is able to support these three courageous women in the world’s toughest row. Whilst women in sports and the marine industry are starting to have better representation, we are still far from equality. It’s both life affirming and inspiring to see Rachel, Nicki and Caroline take on such a phenomenal challenge, and I hope that our support can help them to raise awareness, not only of what is possible, but also of the two fantastic charities that they are supporting. On behalf of our team and our customers, we are supporting you all the way.”

Rachel from Team Excelsioar added: “We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Lisa and the team at Val Wyatt Marine for their huge support, which will help to raise vital funds for both Thames Hospice and The Dash Charity. We are training incredibly hard ahead of this challenge. As a team, we are expected to row in excess of 1.5 million oar strokes during the race, burning over 5,000 calories every day.”

We will keep you up-to-date with Team Excelsioar’s preparations throughout the year. You can support Team Excelsioar through its gofundme page.