The Team
The boat is on it's way to New York. The team are booked to fly to New York on the 24th May 2008. The final preperations are in hand.. The challenge looms close and the team are looking forward to getting on to the water. Departure is 10.00am Sunday 1st June 2008.
Below left - Chairman of The Council of Isles of Scilly, Councillor Christine Saville, wishes the boys good luck and 'bon voyage' outside the Town Hall, St. Mary's.
Below right - Meet The Crew In New York ! Liberty Landing Marina Yacht Club May 25 - June 1st 2008
The rowers
Chris Jenkins
I was born and grew up on St Mary's on my parents’ farm. I schooled locally, but was more interested in motorbikes and boating than school. I am now self employed running a chandlery store on St Mary’s, and a boatyard specialising in small boat/RIB/outboard motor maintenance and sales. I have over 22-years experience on the St Mary’s all weather Lifeboat, as both crew and as second mechanic, and hold many valuable RNLI, navigation and marine engineering qualifications which I feel will be invaluable for the row. This row is a fantastic opportunity to take part in something that most people are not in a position to be able to try, (of those that would consider anything like this anyway!), and a perfect opportunity to raise both awareness and money for our charities. I will be raising money for the St Michaels Hospital Special Care Baby Unit in Bristol who looked after my first daughter Sophie when she was born 5 years ago. I now also have a second daughter Evie, and the best part of the challenge for me will be to see my two girls again when we get home.
Sponsored charity: Above and Beyond ‘Enhancing Bristol’s Special Care Baby Unit’
Tim Garratt
I grew up in Devon but always had strong connections to Scilly as it is where my grandparents lived and where my mother grew up. I am fortunate enough that as a family we have moved back to the islands. The youngest of three I have always been active running after, or away from my older siblings! This has stayed with me as I have watched, enjoyed and competed at a multitude of sports at varying levels. At university I studied Sports and Exercise Science and represented Chichester at basketball, rugby, volleyball and on one occasion tennis and I also played for Chichester City first XV. I have gig rowed on Scilly for the last 7 years and enjoy the competition, physical efforts and teamwork that the sport incorporates and hope to apply these elements to the challenge ahead. I feel this a perfect opportunity for the islands to compete on a world stage at a sport that has so much relevance to the history and people of Scilly. As with the other members of the crew I hope this project can help to support the worthwhile causes chosen to enrich the lives of people who are not so fortunate. We are surrounded by the ocean and are in the best place to train and prepare for what is undoubtedly the challenge of a lifetime!
Sponsored charity: Breakthrough Breast Cancer
Wayne Davey
I am a born and bred Cornishman, and live in Newlyn, although I spend as much time on Scilly. I am a member of the Penlee Lifeboat crew and have been employed by Southwestern Ambulance service since 2001. Previously to that I was a Professional Rugby player having played for Swansea, London Bronco's and The Pirates. I still play for and captain The Pirates 2nd team, and am also the coach of The Pirates Colts (under 19's). I was really envious of the boys when they said that they were rowing the North Atlantic and told them that I would love to be involved as it will be the 'challenge of a lifetime'. I'm really looking forward to spending some time in New York, and leaving the surroundings of the harbour, however, I think its going to be a real hard graft going without a Pasty or pint of Guiness for two months!
Sponsored charity: RNLI
Joby Newton
I was born on Scilly and I am Scillonian on my mother’s side. Grown up and educated on the islands. I left IOS school in 2004 with 10 GCSEs and studied Marine Engineering and Design at Falmouth Marine School for two years. I work and live on Bryher in the summer and fish in the winters. I am a keen cricketer and gig rower, rowing in ‘Czar’ since 15. I would love to achieve something like this while I still have no real commitments.