Firemen take on Atlantic Rowing Race challenge for Claire House

May 20 2009 By Helen Hunt

Atlantic rowers Neil Gyllenship (foreground) and Dean Jagger

"I’ve been surfing all my life, my dad’s ex-Navy and I’ve been on boats so I’m pretty confident of not getting sick. Dean will have to suck it and see."

Before they embark on their Atlantic adventure, they need to raise more than £46,000 for their entrance fee, flights, food and other essentials and are looking for a sponsor.

Once that target is reached, they are hoping to raise the same amount or more for Claire House and will be fund-raising before and after the event.

Neil and Dean will set off for their adventure outside the hurricane season in December. Once aboard, they will eat boil in the bag food and drink sea water purified by a special on-board pump.

GPS satellite technology will guide them and they will keep in contact with their family by satellite phone. They are hoping the trade winds and the Equatorial current will also help them go faster.

Neil said: "We’ve got GPS, but if that fails, it’s back to charts and the moon – astronomical navigation."

The boat was launched in New Brighton today so the pair can begin practising for the race.

Both Neil and Dean are married with children and have the full support of their spouses.

Neil added: "It’s a once in a lifetime, a one-off amazing challenge. It’s going to be hard but I’m sure we’ll enjoy it and raising as much as we can for Claire House is really inspiring."

To support the challenge visit www.teamheatwave.co.uk