4 UAE residents launch bid to row across Atlantic Ocean in 60 days

  DUBAI – Four UAE residents have launched a historic bid to row across the Atlantic Ocean for 5,000km in 60 days. The team called Arabian Ocean Rowing Team includes a UAE national attempting to become first Emirati to row across the Atlantic Ocean. Their route will start from La Gomera off the coast of Africa and end at the English Harbour in Antigua. The team consists of Toby Gregory, ultra-endurance athlete from the UK; James Raley, British Army veteran; and Rai Tamagnini, a four-time Ironman from Portugal. They will be joined by Fahim Al Qasimi, who is aiming to become the first Emirati to row across an Ocean. The crew are expected to face 40-foot waves and extended sleep deprivation while living in cramped conditions, pushing them to the very edge of their physical and mental limits. Al Qasimi called it the “world’s toughest challenge”. “We’ll be the first team to raise the UAE flag after rowing 5,000km to cross the Atlantic Ocean,” Al Qasimi said. The 5,000km crossing, which will take between 45 to 60 days, will be completely unsupported and the team of four will have to be totally self-sufficient for the duration of their expedition. They will rely entirely on desalinated seawater as drinking water, solar energy to power batteries and electronics and eating freeze-dried food, all while confined to a rowing boat which is only 8 meters (26ft) long – shorter than the length of two cars! Team founder Gregory said the launch of the team is the result of seven years of planning. “Our mission is to help others succeed and we hope our schools and universities programme will inspire the next generation to believe that nothing is impossible for those who will try hard enough. When you have a dream, you've got to grab it and never let go,” Gregory said. ICA/Expat Media
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