Before facing the challenge they must be fully trained to meet entry and safety requirements, and have recently completed two essential courses, the RYA Sea Survival and Marine Short Wave Radio course.

During their challenge, Lin and Rachel will push themselves physically and mentally to the limit and it is essential that they are properly prepared. The Sea Survival will be invaluable to them on their voyage and covers planning and preparation for the race as well as what to do inf they encounter any problems. Rachel commented 'The Sea Survival course certainly made Lin and I realise how serious and potentially dangerous the challenge really is.'

For Lin, perhaps one of the toughest obstacles she has had to overcome was her fear of going underwater. Lin and Rachel have both been working with a coach to try and conquer her fear (www.cleancoaching.co.uk). This coaching was put to the test when on the Sea Survival course a 'mock storm' was created, where they both had to haul themselves into a lurching liferaft while being splashed and having a hosepipe blast into their faces. But the coaching had worked a treat and Lin could fully participate in the activity. 

Due to the skills learnt at the Marine Short Wave Radio course, both Lin and Rachel are fully conversant with the mayday call, digital and analogue radio channels and a host of other technicalities. They plan to gain more experience of how VHF radio communication works by spending some time with their local Coastguards.

Lin and Rachel launched their Atlantic Rowing Challenge last year at the Southampton Boat Show with the target of raising £100,000 for Breast Cancer Care. They have received great support so far from companies including BoatQuays, SsangYong UK, Pantiles Edge Gallery, Garmin and G Comm. The campaign has been all over the UK and fundraising efforts have even included an appearance on Ready Steady Cook. Just over £34,000 has been raised to date in donations, sponsorships and goods in kind. However this represents only 23% of their final target so there is still a long way to go.

To make all this training worthwhile they are relying on the continued support to reach their financial targets and raise the much needed money for Breast Cancer Care.

Ends

November 06

Becky Hunt, Saltwater Public Relations, 01202 669 244, becky.hunt@saltwatercoms.com