Rowing 3800 Miles from Portugal to South America for Dementia Carers
forget me Knot
GUSTO is proud to be an official sponsor for this inspiring Charity enterprise which aims to beat the current Atlantic crossing record of 50 days.
If successful the team will secure two World Records.
THE CAUSE
700,000 families in the UK care for people with dementia. The relentless demands of care commonly lead to depression and mental health problems but few carers seek support. Let’s stop our carers silent suffering.
THE IMPACT OF DEMENTIA
Sadly, whilst there remains no effective treatment, a dementia diagnosis is a life sentence. This applies not just to patient but for the family, friends and, in particular, the primary carers. To be present for every moment of the decline of a loved one brings anguish and exhaustion that is difficult to imagine.
Dementia UK provides specialist dementia support for families through their Admiral Nurse service. When things get challenging or difficult for people with dementia and their families, Admiral Nurses work alongside them, giving the compassionate one-to-one support, expert guidance and practical solutions that can be difficult to find elsewhere.
Please join us on our mission to fund an Admiral Nurse for everybody that needs one.
THE PLAN
A Double World Record.
The passage will be from the Portugal to French Guiana, thereby achieving a continent to continent crossing. The team will be the first trio to ever attempt this journey and aim to beat the current crossing record of 50 days. If successful this will secure two World Records for the campaign.
Every Atlantic row is a gruelling undertaking, but covering this vast swathe of the mid Atlantic is by far the most challenging. Around 20 Atlantic crossings take place as part of an organised race each year but, at over 500 miles further, our chosen passage differs considerably in its length, unfavourable conditions and lack of support.
THE TEAM
Dirk is consultant surgeon at The Red Cross Children’s Hospital in Cape Town. As a qualified expedition medic, he has also supported various races and undertakings - including The Race Across America. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Johnnie dreamt up this campaign to support a cause that’s close to his heart. A recovering CrossFit addict, he now expends energy through Olympic weightlifting, Muay Thai, kiteboarding and cycling.
Stef gives an injection of Celtic fortitude to the team. An industrial electrician by trade, he has led builds on everything from offshore wind farms to 40,000 square foot Amazon Prime studios. As a keen sailor and Sea Scout leader, Stef is no stranger to the ocean and will be the steady hand whilst Dirk and Johnnie find their sea legs.
THE BOAT
A true test of endurance, the team will row a minimum of 12 hours hours a day in shifts of 2 hours on, 2 hours off - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to keep the boat moving. This will mean a maximum of 2 hours sleep at one time for the duration of the row. Unsupported in the middle of the ocean along with 40+foot waves, freezing conditions, equipment failures and cramped sleeping quarters this challenge will be as technical and mentally tough as it is physical.
Our boat is a Rannoch R45, a 23ft specialised ocean rowing boat. She has two watertight sleeping cabins fore and aft and is designed to self-right in the event of capsize (fingers crossed). Being so small, she is designed for speed, not comfort and is packed with high tech electronics such as solar panels, navigation and satellite communication equipment and has just enough room for us to take everything we will need for the entire crossing.
With no outside assistance, sea water from the ocean will be processed through a solar powered desalination unit (water maker) producing approx. 6 gallons of water per day for cooking and hydration. As well as dry rations the crew will be taking a fishing line in the hope of some freshly caught seafood whilst at sea! Living conditions will be cramped and maintaining discipline and sanitary conditions on the boat will be an essential key to success, but more importantly survival.
we are proud to support you
THE CAUSE
700,000 families in the UK care for people with dementia. The relentless demands of care commonly lead to depression and mental health problems but few carers seek support. Let’s stop our carers silent suffering.
THE IMPACT OF DEMENTIA
Sadly, whilst there remains no effective treatment, a dementia diagnosis is a life sentence. This applies not just to patient but for the family, friends and, in particular, the primary carers. To be present for every moment of the decline of a loved one brings anguish and exhaustion that is difficult to imagine.
Dementia UK provides specialist dementia support for families through their Admiral Nurse service. When things get challenging or difficult for people with dementia and their families, Admiral Nurses work alongside them, giving the compassionate one-to-one support, expert guidance and practical solutions that can be difficult to find elsewhere.
Please join us on our mission to fund an Admiral Nurse for everybody that needs one.
HELLO
the plan
A Double World Record
The passage will be from the Portugal to French Guiana, thereby achieving a continent to continent crossing. The team will be the first trio to ever attempt this journey and aim to beat the current crossing record of 50 days. If successful this will secure two World Records for the campaign.
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Every Atlantic row is a gruelling undertaking, but covering this vast swathe of the mid Atlantic is by far the most challenging. Around 20 Atlantic crossings take place as part of an organised race each year but, at over 500 miles further, our chosen passage differs considerably in its length, unfavourable conditions and lack of support.
the team
Dirk is consultant surgeon at The Red Cross Children’s Hospital in Cape Town. As a qualified expedition medic, he has supported various races - including The Race Across America.
Johnnie dreamt up this campaign to support a cause that’s close to his heart. A recovering CrossFit addict, he now expends energy through Olympic weightlifting, Muay Thai, kiteboarding and cycling.
Stef gives an injection of Celtic fortitude to the team. An industrial electrician by trade, he has led builds on offshore wind farms and as a keen sailor and Sea Scout leader, Stef is no stranger to the ocean and will be the steady hand whilst Dirk and Johnnie find their sea legs.
HELO
the Boat
Our boat is a Rannoch R45, a 23ft specialised ocean rowing boat. She has two watertight sleeping cabins fore and aft and is designed to self-right in the event of capsize (fingers crossed). Being so small, she is designed for speed, not comfort and is packed with high tech electronics such as solar panels, navigation and satellite communication equipment and has just enough room for us to take everything we will need for the entire crossing.
With no outside assistance, sea water from the ocean will be processed through a solar powered desalination unit (water maker) producing approx. 6 gallons of water per day for cooking and hydration. As well as dry rations the crew will be taking a fishing line in the hope of some freshly caught seafood whilst at sea! Living conditions will be cramped and maintaining discipline and sanitary conditions on the boat will be an essential key to success, but more importantly survival.
A true test of endurance, the team will row a minimum of 12 hours hours a day in shifts of 2 hours on, 2 hours off - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to keep the boat moving. This will mean a maximum of 2 hours sleep at one time for the duration of the row. Unsupported in the middle of the ocean along with 40+foot waves, freezing conditions, equipment failures and cramped sleeping quarters this challenge will be as technical and mentally tough as it is physical.