Abu Dhabi: Two Britons will be attempting to cross the Atlantic Ocean in a record time on a row boat 'Memory of Zayed' and also raise funds for cancer research.
Stu Turnbull and Ed Baylis of team Atlantic '06 attempt the Atlantic crossing in what is considered one of the world's toughest tests of endurance and at the same time bid to raise £200,000 for Cancer Research UK, said the pair's friend Mohammad Al Husseiny of Mubadala Development.
Al Husseiny, who is organising the two-man rowing feat which also aims to break the 40-day barrier for the 3,000 mile crossing, said the pair will start on December 10.
"Both Stu and Ed, who have tremendous experience in various sports, start from La Gomera in the Canary Islands and are expected to reach Antigua in the Caribbean in January next year," said Al Husseiny.
"The attempt is being held under the patronage of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, in memory of Shaikh Zayed.
"The Scandinavian boat has been lightened to carry the duo and enough foodstuff and other back-up material.
UAE colours
"The boat will carry the colours of the UAE national flag and hopefully Stu and Ed will break the earlier record of 40 days, 5 hours and 31 minutes," he said.
Stu, 25, is an active sportsman and has completed many expeditions around the world including a 150-mile foot race in the Egyptian Sahara.
Ed is also a 25-year-old sportsman who has collected two Blues at Oxford University for Rugby League and was in the University boat team.
"Apart from their aim to create a new record the pair are keen to use this row as a vehicle to raise as much funding and awareness as possible for Cancer Research UK.
"They have also recently teamed up with Marine Conservation Society and the Marine Turtle Research Group to conduct some observations while out in the Atlantic Ocean to contribute in preserving the environment," said Al Husseiny, who will be present when the duo are flagged off on December 10. "Those interested in supporting the cause should send in their contributions to Account No 1091 0010 3482 9038, First Gulf Bank.
"We already have received encouraging support from Al Jazira Club, Commodore Contracting, ICON Investments and Mubadala," he said.
