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.