Row For Hope

MarineTrack support Paul Ridley Atlantic Challenge

Paul Ridley, 25, began his unsupported trans-Atlantic expedition leaving in the Canary Islands on New Years Day 09. With only oars to power him, he has set off in an attempt to cross the Atlantic, travelling more than 3,000 nautical miles and spending between 60 and 80 days and nights at sea.

In his state-of-the-art, custom-built fiberglass composite craft named Liv (Norwegian for “Life”), he will row up to 12 hours each day and hopes to arrive in the Caribbean in February 09. Designed by accomplished British ocean rowboat designer Phil Morrison in collaboration with the world-class Rhode Island boat builders Aquidneck Custom, Liv is only 19 feet long and 5 feet wide.

Following the death of his mother to skin cancer, Paul was motivated by her belief that nothing is impossible. He has dedicated his challenge in her memory and is raising funds for the Yale Cancer Center, a cutting-edge research centre dedicated to bringing tomorrow's cancer treatments and cures to patients today.

MarineTrack are proud to support Paul in his challenge and provide friends and family the ability to follow his progress. Fitted with a MarineTrack Track800D, his location will be updated hourly using the INMARSAT D+ satellite technology and can be viewed via a dedicated console page from any computer (view via www.rowforhope.com)

“MarineTrack are happy to provide the opportunity for everyone to track Paul’s challenge and offer reassurance to his family and friends with our regular updates on his progress. We wish Paul the best of luck in his endeavours and support such a worthwhile cause”, says MarineTrack Sales and Marketing Manager, Damian McCann.

"Ironically, Paul's lonely solo row across the Atlantic is also a very public event, with hundreds of people following his progress (and supporting the cause of cancer research) through his website. We're tremendously grateful to MarineTrack for providing the equipment and backend support that make it possible for the public (and his anxious family) to be part of this adventure, hour by hour” say Paul’s father Mark"

Speaking of his challenge, Paul says“ Unlike many adventurers, my motivation for rowing the Atlantic is not to set a world record or to do something that has never been done before, though through this expedition I will ultimately do both. What I found in ocean rowing, and I hope you find too, is the magical combination of true adventure and a unique and powerful form of philanthropy that will make a difference” .

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