On Monday 5th December 2011, two Firefighters from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) set off from the Island of La Gomera (Canary Islands) to embark on the incredible ‘Atlantic Dash’ challenge.  Firefighters from Cardiff Fire Stations, John Haskell and Jamie Windsor will attempt to row over 3000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean to raise money for several charities. The duo are currently rowing totally unsupported in a ‘Woodvale Pairs’ class boat, designed specifically for the race, which measures a mere 7 metres (23.4ft) long and 1.9m (6.3ft) wide.

John and Jamie are expected to cross the Atlantic Ocean in approximately 3 months, reaching the Island of Barbados in February 2012. This is an extraordinary challenge that will raise a lot of money for some very worthwhile charities.

To follow their journey visit: www.taliskerwhiskyatlanticchallenge.com/team/atlantic-dash

• Some Facts and Figures:-
  
  The journey is over 3000 miles long across the Atlantic Ocean
  
  It will take up to three months at sea to complete
  
  The team and the boat will be totally unsupported and self-sufficient, taking their own food and water purifier
  
  Weather will be unpredictable with waves of over 40 feet high during storms
  
  Mileage can be lost with the boat being pushed backwards for days 
  
  Demanding physical and emotional turmoil of rowing for 24 hours a day in alternating shifts of two hours on, two hours rest, for the duration of the row
  
  Once the boat leaves La Gomera any chance of rescue would take several days
  
  Team members will have to consume 8000 calories a day, losing up to 20% body weight over the duration of the crossing
  
  John and Jamie will be rowing naked as any clothing combined with salt spray causes extreme chaffing and open sores. It doesn’t sound much fun, but does gain great publicity!
  
  More people have been in space or climbed Mount Everest than have rowed the Atlantic Ocean.

Listen to Jamie being interviewed by Roy Noble from the middle of the Atlantic by satellite phone.

(Only available in English)