Alan's 3000 mile Atlantic Challenge

We’ve written a lot about different sporting challenges our supporters set themselves.  From running marathons to cycling across countries, but we haven’t ever had anyone row the Atlantic!  Until now…

Alan Lau, will be rowing solo and unsupported across the Atlantic Ocean to raise money for Children On The Edge.  He will be setting off from Gran Canaria early December 2014 and arrive approximately 90 days later in Barbados, covering a distance of 3,000 miles using only the power from his oars.

As a motorcycle racer, triathlete, long distance cyclist and a gravity enduro mountain biker, Alan is not unfamiliar with challenges. He has dreamed about crossing oceans in a boat since his childhood and the dream started to become reality in winter 2008 when he was inspired by reading the story of another ocean rower coming to the end of her challenge.

In addition to raising funds for our work, Alan is also hoping that his adventure will inspire others to step outside of their comfort zones.  The boat “CurryFishball” that will be used for the crossing has been specially built by Rossiter Yachts, a family run business spanning 3 generations of boat builders who Alan has really enjoyed working with; “I feel safe knowing that my boat has been built by Cris Rossiter and his team.”

At the moment, his expedition is self funded, with a very lean team helping preparations. During the expedition itself, only the safety co-ordinator will be involved from land, to provide weather information and co-ordinate communications.

To engage with the community and to help raise awareness as well as funds, Alan has decided to run several competitions and raffle draws for school children to get involved in. Competitions range from creating the best theme for the boat to be painted with to designing the T-shirt graphics for the team. There will even be an opportunity to win short trips in the boat. In addition, Alan will be promoting the event at the Southampton Boat Show in September 2014.

To find out more and to get involved, check out Alan’s Atlantic Challenge Facebook page

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