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Lin & Rachel's Atlantic Rowing Challenge
Be Inspired... by Lin Griesel and Rachel Smith
"The waves were 20-foot, 30-feet, 40-feet high and breaking over the boat, breaking over us... and about 300 miles from the finish, we had a capsize..."
Lin Griesel and Rachel Smith are two incredible women who took on an incredible mission; to compete in the Atlantic Rowing Race, rowing nearly 3,000 miles across the Atlantic, raising over £90,000 for Breast Cancer Care in the process.
Listen to their exclusive interview with Christina Jenkins by clicking play on the flash player below and find out what it takes, both physically and emotionally to row the Atlantic Ocean - as well why it's a good idea to row naked...
As good friends for over ten years, Rachel and Lin had both seen family members affected by breast cancer, and knew Breast Cancer Care was the charity to benefit from their challenge.
"Through racing dragon boats around the world, I’ve had the honour of meeting up with teams of breast cancer survivors. In most dragon boating countries, there are now teams of men and women who have faced and survived breast cancer and their enthusiasm and love of life is humbling. Having these brave people racing and living life to the full reminds you what it really is all about – that’s why I want to do something that counts." Rachel before the journey
After three years of preparation and fundraising, Lin and Rachel set off from La Gomera in the Canary Islands, on Sunday 2 December 2007 with the aim of rowing 2,935 grueling miles across the Atlantic to Antigua.
With just each other for company and their trusty pink boat, Barbara Ivy, they experienced a whole range of weather conditions from blistering heat to thunderstorms and torrential rain, 40-foot waves and other stark conditions. They encountered whales, dolphins, fish, even other boats on the way.
76 days, 11 hours and 12 minutes later they arrived in Antigua and to their delight there was a special visitor waiting for them with the coastguard.
Show your support
If you feel inspired by Lin and Rachel’s efforts or you just want to congratulate the ladies on their determination and commitment, why not show your support? Every pound and penny donated goes to support everyone affected by breast cancer.
You can also support them by making a donation through their JustGiving donations page at www.justgiving.com/atlanticrowing.
You can also read their rowing blog, leave them a message or get in touch through their website at www.atlanticrowingchallenge.co.uk.
If you are interested in embarking on your own challenge for Breast Cancer Care, please visit our other sporting events and challenges pages. Alternatively, if you have a unique idea of your own that you would like to put into action, please call the events team on 020 7960 3425 the number below and ask to speak to a member of the events team.
