Veteran rowers prepare for oarsome Atlantic ocean world record attempt

A team of veteran rowers skippered by Hitachi Capital (UK) PLC Chairman Guy Munnoch will undergo the ultimate test of physical and mental endurance next month when they attempt to set a new world record as the oldest team of four ever to row across the Atlantic.

With a combined age of 257 years, The Ancient Mariners crew will attempt to complete the 3,000 nautical mile crossing as one of 30 teams taking part in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge.

Guy Munnoch, Mike Winn, Steve Hughes and John Moorhouse, aged 61 to 67, will face sleep deprivation, battling physical extremes and sea sores as they endeavour to cross the Atlantic from the Canary Islands to Antigua when the race starts in La Gomera on 12 December.

Hitachi Capital (UK) PLC is a platinum sponsor of The Grey Escape vessel which will be home to the Ancient Mariners for approximately two months as they confront a non-stop rowing schedule of two hours on, two hours off shift pattern for 24 hours a day.

The Ancient Mariners will take around 1.5 million combined oar strokes consuming only dehydrated food whilst making their own drinking water on-board during their endeavour.

They are raising money for their two chosen charities – Blind Veterans in the UK and Open Arms Orphanage in Malawi.

Guy Munnoch, chairman of Hitachi Capital (UK) PLC, said: “With an average age of over 64 years, this is an extremely challenging endeavour which will require immense resilience which we are determined to complete within 60 days, despite limited rowing experience.

“Between us, the team have successfully completed some of the world’s most extreme adventures in the past but this will be a feat on a new scale entirely.

“Supporting two charities close to our hearts whilst bidding to set a new Guinness World Record will spur us on to complete the challenge, whatever daunting challenges we will face at sea.

“Steve and I both spent more than 20 years each in the army so we’re passionate about assisting the fantastic work of the Blind Veterans who support military personnel after sight loss who have selflessly served our country.

“Equally, Mike and John have each spent many years working in Malawi where they became familiar with the incredible work of Open Arms to care for orphaned and abandoned children and provide them with a brighter future.”

Visit The Ancient Mariners’ respective JustGiving page to donate to their two chosen charities, Blind Veterans and Open Arms Orphanage.

FP Show Update – 22 days to go

Ahead of 6th November, the organisers of the Finance Professional Show are committed to keeping you up to date with sponsor and exhibitor news, information on what you can expect from the Show and tips to help you make the most of the event.

Register to attend the Connect Academy Labs

The FP Show is partnering with Connect Mortgages in hosting an exclusive series of taster sessions, covering key aspects of the curriculum taught at the Connect Academy. Liz Syms and her team have a unique and game-changing view on how to grow the market and introduce more brokers into the specialist finance space. You can register to attend one or more of these insightful 45-minute Labs, each of which tackle a specific area which may be less well known to a mortgage broker, IFA or perhaps someone who has been out of the market for a while.

The app is back

We’re rarely off our mobiles, so the FP Show app is here to keep you up to speed before, during and after the event. Worried about missing that important conference session? Not to worry, we’ll be pushing notifications to your phone throughout the day as to remind you what is happening and where. Not a fan of carrying or collecting business cards? Simply scan other attendees’ info and store in the app for following up later. You can also browse all of our speakers’ bios and where you can find them on the 6th. It’s free and easy to download – simply click here.

Property 90 – your fill of back-to-back specialist finance live content

Our property finance panel and Q&A sessions are always packed and this year should be no different. We have added another half-hour slot on complex residential lending to our usual bridging and commercial segments starting at 11.15, giving you even more reason to grab a seat and learn about what’s hot in these sectors. Read more about our participating speakers and panellists or view the full conference agenda.

Last chance to book your Show Guide advert

This week marks your final opportunity to get into the official event show guide which is distributed to every delegate and exhibitor on the day. Inclusion is not limited to exhibitors; any business may advertise in the guide, with prices starting from just £250 + VAT for a half-page advert. Enquire by emailing info@fpshow.co.uk.