Clifton College – OCs to undertake epic Atlantic challenge
29 Oct 2018
Three Old Cliftonians, who form part of a four-man team, will soon be undertaking the challenge of a lifetime. The four men (Ollie, Hugh, Max and Tom) plan to embark on the world’s toughest sailing race – the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge.
The four men will take on this gruelling 3,000-mile race completely unaided, relying only on their extensive training, pure passion and drive. Efficient teamwork will be critical as they battle through some of the harshest elements on the planet in order to complete this epic once-in-a-lifetime challenge.
The team have known each other for most of their lives, with Ollie, Max and Tom going to school together here at Clifton College. It’s these strong friendship bonds that they believe will pull them through even the most testing of moments that they will face during the crossing.
It’s all for a good cause too. They are looking to raise £250,000 and gain awareness for their chosen charity, West London Zone, who work to make a real difference to the lives of children in poverty in central London. So while taking part in an intensive training regime, they are currently looking for those kind enough to donate or to sponsor the challenge.
Their boat is a Rannoch R45. Measuring 26ft long and weighing in at a hefty 1.4 tonnes, this boat is the fastest ocean rowing boat in the world. There are two cabins (one at each end), each measuring approximately 6ft in length – leaving very little space for the 6ft 5inch rowers in the team to catch some well-deserved rest! The boat will be sold after the race, with the proceeds going directly to the West London Zone charity.
This highly-driven, four-man team will depart from La Gomera (an island in Spain) in December 2019, and their aim is to be the first team in the race to reach the finish line in Antigua, having successfully navigated all of the challenges that the Atlantic Ocean can throw at them.
To find out more about Ollie, Hugh, Max and Tom’s incredible challenge or to kindly donate to their worthy cause, head over to their website. You can also follow their progress via their Instagram page.