Pair launch Atlantic rowing record bid (From Craven Herald)

Pair launch Atlantic rowing record bid

A pair of amateur rowers will bid to conquer the Atlantic Ocean and break the world record.

Getting ready for the long journey across the Atlantic are (from left) JCT600 chief executive John Tordoff, Luke Grose, Alex Macdonald and JCT600 chairman Jack Tordoff

Alex Macdonald and Luke Grose, who live near Skip-ton, will challenge the current 40-day world record held for the two-yearly trans-Atlantic rowing race.

The effort has been made possible with backing from Bradford-based car retailer JCT 600.

Alex said: “We really want to crack the record of 40 days and five hours set by the Kiwi team of Fitzgerald and Biggar in 2003. We needed to find partners to help us reach the starting line with the right preparation, support and equipment to make us competitive.”

Luke said: “With the support of Yorkshire business people we now have a great chance to show the world what we can do.

“We are upping the ante with training now, carefully trying to ensure we peak at the end of the year.”

Their boat – JCT600 York-shire Challenger – is a 23ft hand-made wooden rowing boat built especially to compete in the race. It will be one of 35 identical boats expected to take part.

The pair will take two-hour shifts rowing the boat while the other sleeps in the small cabin.

They will face 50-foot waves as well as the dangers of crossing tanker lanes, shark-infested waters and being struck by curious whales.

The five-figure deal, which will cover the cost of the duo’s race entry fees, travel and transport, means they can now realise a five-year dream.

JCT600 chief executive John Tordoff said the newly formed Team JCT600 has a great chance to win the epic race when it starts on Sunday, December 6, from the island of La Gomera, near Tenerife, and ends in Antigua in the Caribbean.

“These lads have been training hard for over two years, and we wanted to help them bring this prestigious record home to Britain and especially here to York-shire,” he said.

The team has its own website – TeamJCT600.com – where people will be able to follow their progress during the event and even before the race begins.

Team JCT600 will be touring the region between August and October, showing the boat to members of the public at JCT600 showrooms.

Other businesses supporting the challenge include Giggleswick School and Booths Supermarket.