Atlanticbuoys2015

Aim

Two men are rowing the Atlantic ocean 3000 miles in an attempt to raise funds for Little Harbour Childrens Hospice in Cornwall

Project aim

2 men are rowing the Atlantic ocean 3000 miles to raise money for Little Harbour Childrens Hospice in Cornwall. This project will enable us to purchase essential equipment to make the crossing ensuring we can then raise much needed funds for the hospice.

About the project

We are Neil Blackeby and Hamish Stewart and have entered the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge which takes place in December 2015. The race, organised by Atlantic campaigns will see us leave the safety and our friends, families and loved ones in the harbour of San Sebastian La Gomera in the Canary Islands and row west into the vast Atlantic Ocean with 3000 miles of ocean between us and the finish line in English Harbour, Antigua. 

We are both men in our 50s from North Cornwall and during the journey, which could take up to 8 weeks, we will be totally self-sufficient and unsupported. We will need to keep the boat and equipment in good working order, keep ourselves in good health both mentally and physically, dealing with sleep deprivation, making our own fresh water, coping with harsh weather and, of course, rowing for long periods of time, day and night for weeks on end and hopefully not to many shark or whale encounters!

We have already funded our own 24-foot ocean rowing boat and have a sponsor in a local company, Sharps Brewery who secured our entry fee to the race and provided a team logo. We now need to raise funds from crowdfunding which will ensure that the boat is fully equipped and that we have the essential equipment to keep us alive during this epic adventure. We still need to purchase water desalination units, dehydrated food, a para anchor and transport the boat to the start line. Fundraising will be continuous to raise money for the hospice and we are attending many events over the coming months. Ultimately, on our successful return, the fully equipped boat will be sold and fundraising will continue and the much-needed funds to provide the Childrens Hospice with a nurse for a year or hopefully longer will continue. The aim is to raise in excess of £45,000 through fundraising prior to, during the event and after our return, for the Childrens Hospice who provide much-needed care and support for terminally ill children and their families in Cornwall.

Neil Blackeby.

My name is Neil Blackeby aged 53 from North Cornwall. I was inspired to row the Atlantic Ocean over 40 years ago having met Tom McLean, who had rowed across the North Atlantic, single handed. In later years I was unable to take the time out from my service with the Windsor fire brigade, I then met Hmaish, over 15 years ago, who introduced me to Cornish Pilot Gigs. Having been a keen sailor and rower, I broached the subject of the transatlantic rowing race; he readily agreed, and here we are.

Hamish Stewart.

I am Hamish Stewart aged 52, living in North Cornwall. I have been gig rowing for over 15 years attending many world and county championship events. The topic of rowing the Atlantic came up at Newquay Gig Championships many years ago. Now is our time. I look forward to the challenge of pushing myself both mentally and physically and in doing so hope to raise awareness of our chosen charity Children's Hospice SouthWest. 

This crowdfunding project is being run by Amy Byfield, Hamish's partner and student at Plymouth University.

Our planned date of departure is 17th November, driving, and ferries, arriving in La Gomera for the specified date of December 1st. Weather permitted we depart from La Gomera December 15th. Hopefully arriving in Antigua 60-70 days later. All support is so greatly appreciated and you can follow our progress by using the yellowbrick app after our departure.

Children's Hospice SouthWest

Children's Hospice SouthWest are committed to making the most of short and precious lives. The care offered at each of their hospices is not simply about medical and nursing care for sick children, but about enriching the lives of children and their families. Families talk about the 'treasure chest' of precious memories they build to carry into the future...... a future, which will sadly be without their much loved child or children.

Judy Pride, Community Fundraiser for CHSW

"From all the staff and families at CHSW we wish the Atlanticbuoys the best of luck in their crowdfunding campaign. We look forward to monitoring the progress as your plans comes together for this epic row which you are so generously doing to raise funds for CHSW"

Please pledge your support for Atlanticbuoys and be part of our epic journey and help us to raise much-needed funds for this amazing, life changing local charity.

Thanks to everyone!

 To view a video from the Atlanticbuoys trainer Nick cuming please visit:https://youtu.be/nT7BjoTHoXO

Rewards.

This is the exclusive design that will appear on the limited edition prints.

Our exclusive image engraved onto slate.

Our exclusive image engraved onto acrylic with wall mountings.

The Atlanticbuoys2015 wristband exclusive to Crowdfunder

Mens polo shirt with our exclusive design to crowdfunder. 100% ringspun cotton.

This project closed unsuccessfully on 26th June 2015