The Mermaid Atlantic team are a week into their 3,000-mile rowing race across the Atlantic and have already overcome several challenges in the opening few days.
The team, comprising Xavier Baker, founder of the Isle of Wight Distillery, Chris Manion, owner of i-surf, and Paul Berry, Ventnor longshoreman and firefighter, remain in high spirits as they embrace all that the ocean throws at them.
The trio are settling into a routine, though due to the rough sea conditions, they are unable to use the auto helm, meaning there isn’t much let-up.
One person is rowing, one is steering, and one is sleeping, but hopefully, as the weather eases, they will be able to get back to using the auto helm, which will mean two crew members rowing while the other gets some well-earned rest.
The good news is, they have managed to beat off seasickness, which some of the other teams are struggling with.
Nights are very dark, with no moon to guide them, but they are quickly mastering star navigation.
The team are rowing 3,000 nautical miles across the Atlantic in their Rannoch 45 boat, Mermaid Atlantic, named after Mermaid Gin, distilled by Xavier Baker and his team at the Isle of Wight Distillery, which is the main sponsor.
They are taking part in the World’s Toughest Row to raise awareness of ocean pollution and raise funds for three organisations in the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Surfers Against Sewage, and The Seahorse Trust.
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