Two women are hoping to smash the current British women’s record for rowing across the Atlantic* when they set off in November 2007 to start The Atlantic Rowing Race from La Gomera and row 2,935 miles to Antigua, arriving in early January 2008. As well as setting a new record, their second challenge is to raise over £90,000 for Breast Cancer Care, the UK’s leading provider of breast cancer information and support. Their rowing challenge, aptly named ‘The Atlantic Rowing Challenge’ will be launched at the Southampton Boat Show on Friday 16th September.

Friends for over ten years, Lin Griesel (39) and Rachel Smith (35) are no strangers to competition, both having raced at European and World Championship level for Great Britain’s Dragon Boat Team.

On announcing the race, Rachel Smith commented; “We are both active, sporty people who love challenges and have wanted to do something for charity for several years. When our friend Debra Searle (formerly Debra Veal) returned and told us the story of her amazing race in 2001, a seed was sown in both our minds and until we get off the boat in Antigua in 2008, we will both keep pulling together to reach our goal.”

Lin and Rachel will be rowing a ‘Woodvale Pair’ boat, designed specifically for the race and measuring just 7 metres (23.4ft) long and 1.9m (6.3ft) wide. They will need to pack their entire supply of food for the journey, use a de-salination machine to turn sea-water into drinking water and use the boat’s solar panels to power any electrical equipment they take aboard with them.

A small cabin provides shelter for sleeping, although the women plan to run a two hours on and two hours off system to maximise rowing time.

Breast Cancer Care has been chosen as the rowers’ nominated charity as breast cancer has affected both of their families. As Lin explained, “Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women. We wanted to raise money for Breast Cancer Care who support people affected by breast cancer, providing real help and advice for anyone who needs it.” The charity will be backing the rowers’ cause with a 2 year PR campaign supported by various fundraising events.

Leading marine communications agency, Saltwater, will be offering the Breast Cancer Care Atlantic Rowing Challenge, marine leisure PR and event management support throughout the duration of the campaign.

*Currently 105 days, 16 hours, 28 minutes set in 2004 by Sally and Sarah Kettle racing from La Gomera to Barbados.

Statistics taken from the BCC website and dated May 05.