Heads Together and Row race towards the start line
Four months to go until the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge 2018, and preparations continue for Heads Together and Row.
The crew will be racing for 3,000 miles, unsupported, across the Atlantic from the Canary Islands to Antigua.
They are raising funds and awareness for mental health charities under the Heads Together campaign, as well as taking part in a research study by Henley Business School into individual and team resilience.
They were originally due to take part in the 2017 event, but had to defer due to external factors which affected their preparations.
Crew member Justin Coleman said: “I have mixed feelings with four months to go. On the one hand, I can’t wait to get started. The adventure feels much more real this year, and looking back over what we’ve achieved since we took the decision to defer – as a crew, with training, the boat – it’s been a productive time. We’re so much better prepared.”
“On the other hand, the next four months will be the most intense period of all. There is still a huge amount to achieve in terms of money, kit and general readiness to get to the start line. The challenge restarts here!”
Fellow crew member Toby Gould added: “Team Heads Together and Row is now two years old. It’s been a lot of hard work but I’m very proud of how far we’ve come to get to where we are today. At times those two years have felt like a slow and tiring uphill battle. With just four months to go I feel like we’re running flat-out downhill towards the start line; it’s going to be exciting, but a challenge to keep our legs moving quickly enough to keep up with our bodies!”
“We have a lot left to do but all the fundamentals are in place; boat – check, equipment – check, crew – check, training – check. So, while there is more kit and supplies to source, and physical, mental and technical preparation will not let up until we get to the start line, I know we will get there and I’m looking forward to being one of the best prepared crews in the 2018 fleet!”
