Sussex Retired Teachers Prepare for 3,000-Mile Atlantic Row Challenge

Two former educators from Sussex are getting ready for an uninterrupted Atlantic crossing by rowboat, aiming to collect funds for charitable causes and increase public understanding of marine contamination. Jon Wilburn and Steve Potter, both residents of Chichester, are set to join Dan Dicker and Jason Howard as part of The Lessons from a Boat Team. Their objective is to complete the yearly 3,000-mile (4,828km) event, officially termed the World’s Toughest Row. The group plans to depart from the Canary Islands aboard their eco-friendly rowboat, Saltie, on December 12, anticipating a minimum of 50 days and nights navigating the ocean. Speaking to BBC Radio Sussex, Mr Potter stated: “I’m imagining in my head, and have been for the last few weeks just pushing off from the side… literally a day later you’re not going to see land, you’re not going to see anybody else until you get to Antigua.” The individuals committed to this endeavor three years prior, following a discussion at a pub. Mr Wilburn commented: “We were both reaching a certain age; me 50 and Steve 60, at the time…those dates have passed, and we just thought, ‘let’s get on with it’.” Since then, preparations have been ongoing, and Saltie – containing 1.3 million calories of provisions – is currently moored in La Gomera in advance of the journey. Each day during the expedition, which Mr Wilburn indicated might extend up to 60 days, the participants will require more than 5,000 calories. Regarding their diet, it was noted: “We can only really heat water, we essentially eat rehydrated or freeze fried meals – which are quite good – plus snack packs.” Acknowledging that this year’s Christmas will be considerably different, Mr Potter mentioned that the team members would be able to savor Christmas cakes prepared by his wife. Furthermore, they have included a reindeer stew, which they believe “may be appropriate for Christmas Day”. In addition to generating funds for Diabetes UK, Cancer Research, and The Final Straw Foundation, the individuals also intend to promote understanding of marine pollution and have already conducted visits to 40 schools. Throughout their endeavor, they plan to gauge plastic levels in the ocean, with the goal of gathering data and presenting educational content on pollution upon their return to the UK, “live from the sea”. For updates, follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story submissions can be sent to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp at 08081 002250. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.