70-Year-Old Grandfather Embarks on Atlantic Rowing Challenge

An elderly man, a grandfather, is getting ready to undertake what is described as the “world’s toughest row,” a solo journey across the Atlantic Ocean. Vic Handley, aged 70, intends to become the third oldest individual to finish the 3,000-mile rowing expedition, which stretches from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua in the Caribbean. The former engineering director arrived in the Canary Islands on Friday and stated he is “fit as a fiddle” and “ready” for the row, which is scheduled to commence on 12 December. Speaking to BBC Radio Derby, Mr. Handley, who resides in Littleover, indicated that bidding farewell to his family for a period of four months constitutes the “hardest part” of the endeavor. Throughout the challenge, Mr. Handley explained his routine would involve rowing for two hours followed by two hours of rest, consuming approximately 5,000 calories daily. He plans to produce potable water from seawater using a desalination device to eliminate salt. When not engaged in rowing, his time will be allocated to eating freeze-dried provisions, sleeping, or performing upkeep on his vessel, which bears the name “The City of Derby.” Mr. Handley anticipates that the rowing feat will generate £200,000 to benefit the Enthusiasm Trust, Derby County Community Trust, Derbyshire Mind, and Umbrella. Mr. Handley articulated, “Just because I’m 70 years old doesn’t mean I don’t have a fire in my belly or I’ve not got dreams to fulfil.” He added, “I want to look back and realise I’ve done all the ambitions I ever wanted to do.” Furthermore, he expressed, “I’m hoping the challenge will encourage people to realise their ambitions.” Regarding his absence from his family until the following year, Mr. Handley mentioned his wife advised him to “pack an Easter egg” as a precaution, should his return be delayed beyond expectations. Mr. Handley reiterated, “For me to be away from my family at Christmas and New Year will be the hardest part.” He recounted, “The family thought it was just a bonkers idea when I told them at first, but it all became real when the boat arrived at the house!” Mr. Handley stated that his departure from the Canaries can be viewed via a live stream, alongside 38 other vessels participating in the challenge, among which only six are solo crafts. He further commented, “On the day that I leave, I’ll be all on my own and ready for the challenge.” He concluded by saying, “It’s going to be a busy day.”