The women set off from MDL Marina's Cobb's Quay Marina, spending two days in and around Poole Harbour conducting sea trials, practising maritime skills, testing both their equipment and themselves ready to face their challenge of a lifetime in December 2007. During the Woodvale Challenge Atlantic Rowing Race, Lin and Rachel will be rowing almost 3,000 miles from La Gomera in teh Canaries to Antigua; to raise £100,000 for Breast Cancer Care.

During this demanding Atlantic challenge, Lin and Rachel will push themselves to the limit both physically and mentally and it is essential that they are properly prepared. The rowers spent 48-hours onboard their boat; recently named Barbara Ivy, checking electronics, VHF Radio, GPS, compasses, plotting routes and positions on charts, learning how to tie knots and trying out their survival gear.

"The 48-hour row gave us the chance to reinforce our experiences from our 24-hour indoor row in April, building up our confidence and knowledge and incorporating more of the tasks and situations that we will be confronted with during the challenge" says Rachel Smith. "This experience allowed us to adapt to cooking of a moving stove, manoeuvring aroudn bulky kit and oars on deck and gave us the chance to wrok out a hygiene routing! We have come away form the 48-hour row with plenty of ideas for how to plan for life on the Ocean waves."

Lin and Rachel wanted to be unsupported whilst remaining safe during their 48-hours training. The team experienced the luxury of sheltered areas, as well as tides and unpleasant choppy waters within the relatively safe, but nevertheless realistic setting of Poole Harbour. They will be facing tough conditions and an unpredictable environment in the Atlantic; and as they continue to prepare for their journey in December, every personal challenge they overcome will make a difference and help them to raise their £100,000 target for Breast Cancer Care.

Over 44,000 women and 300 men are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the UK and every 13 minutes someone receives the devastating news that they have breast cancer. Cancer is likely to affect many of us at some point in our lives and charities like Breast Cancer Care ensure that real help and advice is available for anyone who needs it.

There are many ways for you to show your support for this commendable challenge - go to 'Sponsor Us' to find out more.

Ends: October 2007
Images courtesy of David Harding
For further information please contact: Amy Wallett/Becky Hunt, Saltwater PR. Tel: 01202 669 244 or email becky.hunt@saltwatercoms.com.
www.saltwaterpr.com