An ESPecially challenging Christmas for Carl!

On the 2nd December Carl Theakston, Managing Director of paper disposables and hygiene products manufactuer ESP, will be setting off from La Gomera in the Canary Islands with three friends and attempting to row a 29ft rowing boat across the Atlantic Ocean, some 2800 miles to English Harbour in Antigua, as part of the Atlantic Rowing Race. It marks the end of 18 months' preparation, planning and training for one of the toughest endurance events in the world. As part of a four man team called "Pura Vida" the lads will be rowing in pairs for consecutive shifts of two hours, facing not only the elements, but the physical and mental challenges of what promises to be an epic ocean adventure. And they're doing it for charity.

"By sleeping rough in the rowing boat over Christmas and New Year, team Pura Vida hopes to raise awareness of the plight of homeless people in the UK," says Carl. "Christmas is traditionally a time of year when thoughts turn to those who are less fortunate and with the horrendous weather we have been having this summer, homelessness is becoming even more of a year-round problem.

"With this in mind we have chosen charities that help those who are vulnerable or homeless to help themselves: The Big Issue Foundation, Crisis and Raleigh International. These charities don't just help people get off the streets, they aim to empower and educate, allowing people to rebuild their confidence, fulfill their potential and transform their own lives."

Team Pura Vida comprises four finely tuned athletes... Carl, Tom Harvey, Robbie Grant and John Cecil-Wright.

Initially the team only comprised two, after Tom approached Carl (who claims he is scared of water!) with the idea of completing the race. Tom and Carl met while cycling from Rome to London where they discovered they shared a mutual interest in punishing endurance sports, (both have completed gruelling Iron Man competitions). In the spirit of adventure, Carl accepted the gauntlet thrown down by Tom and the wheels were set in motion.

John, who has been a great friend of Tom for the last two decades, was next to join after he received a call out of the blue and was unable to think of a good reason not to get involved.

The hunt was then on to fill the final space... Robbie, who is no stranger to endurance sports and is a veteran of the infamous Marathon des Sables (placed 39th overall!) was at one stage planning on completing the race single-handedly. However, after meeting the rest of the team, he decided the race would be a lot more enjoyable with the camaraderie and hilarious banter provided by being part of a crew...

... and Team Pura Vida was born!

The first Atlantic Rowing Race took place in 1997 and it now attracts a mixture of singles, doubles and four-man crews from across the globe.

A test of mental and physical endurance, it can take a four-man crew anywhere from 37 days, (the current record) to over two months to complete. A crew of four is expected to row at an average speed of around three knots (3.5 mph), but as the race and the elements take their toll, it remains to be seen if the lads will manage to sustain this tempo for the entire crossing. Sleep depravation, blisters and weight-loss will be among the challenges facing them - although it's not all bad news; the risk of future weight-loss has provided a good excuse to eat like kings in the run-up to the event and focus on gaining a few extra pounds of insulation to see them through.

During the race, a great deal will ride on the route taken by the crews. Some teams opt for a shorter, more direct passage between the two islands, while others prefer to detour south where they hope to pick up the more favourable trade winds. However, there are no set rules and it is down to each individual crew to adopt the course they hope will give them the greatest advantage.

The race will be accompanied by two support yachts and the crews are advised to stay in regular radio contact throughout the crossing. However, as the fleet spreads out, assistance can be anything up to four days' sailing away, so each competing craft needs to be fully self-sufficient and after setting out from La Gomera, it is not uncommon for crews to see no other competing craft for the entirety of their voyage.

Despite the potential hardships, the lads have no doubt that the rewards will far outweigh any discomforts during the race. From the wildlife and weather to the sunsets and seascapes, the crossing is sure to leave them with memories that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. Regardless of the race results, the chance to compete in an event such as this and to experience the open ocean in such an immediate and hands-on fashion truly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Carl, who is sponsoring the boat, which formed part of his stand at this year's Cleaning Show, assures us that it's business as usual at ESP (www.es-p.co.uk)...

You can donate to the team's chosen charities on line or send cheques made payable to Linkaid - a holding charity that will make payment to the three charities on the team's behalf and allow them to claim the tax back on donations so more money goes to the good causes.

Picture caption: (from left) Tom Harvey, Carl Theakston, Robbie Grant and John Cecil-Wright

For further information on the race, boat and designated charities visit:

www.atlanticrowingchallenge.com

29th November 2007