Harken-sponsored British rowers win class in world's toughest rowing race
by Hannah Cotterell 12 Feb 2016 10:28 GMT
12 February 2016
Dan Parsons and Olly Clark win the Pairs Class of the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge © Ben Duffy
Harken sponsored rowers Dan Parsons (30) and Olly Clark (31), win the Pairs Class of the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge, by completing the 3,000 mile crossing in 42 days, 17 hours and 59 minutes in their concept ocean rowing boat.
Harken provided the pair with McLube Antifoul Alternative Speed Polish to keep their hull running smoothly through the water as well as Grinder Sunglasses from Harken's range of eye wear in this challenging transatlantic race.
Described by organisers, Atlantic Campaigns, as 'the toughest rowing race on earth'. The pair rowed from the Canary Islands to Antigua to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK and ABF, The Soldiers' Charity. They arrived in English Harbour, at 23:23hrs on 31st January (local time), where they were welcomed by family, friends and supporters.
"This is the first time I've taken on a challenge to this scale" said Parsons, who has been given three months off work by his employer and sponsor Gocycle. "We've experienced 30-40 knot storms, a near miss with a cargo ship, a night capsize, horrific hallucinations from sleep deprivation, regular power failures that meant no water and auto-helm, and the most horrendous bottom sores. But to come through with a win and to have raised a huge amount of money for charity has made the sweat and tears worthwhile."
The boys, Team Atlantic Challenge, have raised over £80,000 for their chosen charities, and as a result have built strong relationships with both Prostate Cancer UK, and ABF, The Solider's Charity.
James Beeby, Director of Fundraising at Prostate Cancer UK, said: "We would like to thank Dan and Olly for taking part in this extraordinary challenge for Prostate Cancer UK. By doing this they have joined the charities Men United army of supporters, all helping to make a real difference in furthering the fight against prostate cancer. We would like to thank the pair for their dedication and passion to the cause and to everybody that has helped to contribute towards this amazing fundraising target."
Brigadier (Ret'd) Robin Bacon, Chief of Staff ABF The Soldiers' Charity comments: "Olly and Dan have really done the Charity proud for their tremendous efforts. Undertaking such a huge task as this alone speaks volumes for their courage and determination, yet they both have had to do this battle against major storms and capsize. Their fundraising efforts are not only appreciated at the Charity, but by those soldiers, veterans and family members who may need our help."
More people have been in space than have rowed across the Atlantic. Unsurprisingly, the crossing has taken a heavy toll on the boys - physically their weight loss is noticeable, and their hands, feet and backsides are sore and in need of medical attention. However, their spirits have remained positive throughout, and their friendship is stronger than ever.
Captain Olly Clark, Royal Engineers said: "During our darkest times, we maintained morale by reading messages from our family and friends. We could not have completed this challenge without the constant support we've received - from our sponsors and friends before the challenge started and while we were in the middle of the Atlantic - we are forever in your debt."
To read more about their experience and to donate: please visit www.atlantic-row.com