Army Reservist Aims For Atlantic Rowing Record

ARMY reservist Captain James Robins (26) who serves with 212 Field Hospital in Sheffield has set his sights on breaking four Guiness World Records for ocean rowing when he embarks on the challenge of a lifetime in January 2015. 

The Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC) officer is part of the eight man crew of Avalon, an ocean rowing boat called a monohull. Built from carbon kevlar and designed with speed in mind they will set off on their 3,000 mile unsupported adventure from Puerto Morgan in Gran Canaria next month battling waves the size of houses, storms and all with just two hour breaks between rowing.

"It's something I've always wanted to do", says Robins. "The risks do slightly concern me and I'm certain I'll come back a different person". In the build up to Christmas Robins is focussed on putting on at least 2 1/2 stone to prepare for the immense physical challenge which will see him burn between 8,000 and 10,000 calories a day.

The crew are making a serious attempt to break the Guiness World Record of fastest ocean crossing by human power which stands at 32 days. Robins and the team want to smash that record and cross the Atlantic in under 30 days, a feat never performed in history by human power alone and considered by many to be the 'four minute mile' of ocean rowing.

To achieve those records the team also want to break the record for longest distance rowed in 24 hours, which currently stands at 115 miles, as well as surpassing the 12 day world record for the most consecutive days rowing more than 100 miles.

Robins wants to raise £20,000 for Neurocare, a charity that funds state of the art equipment for the local neurosurgical department at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield.

When asked how he will remain foccussed when the going gets tough Robins was quick to focus on the importance of teamwork. "I'll be focussed on the charity but it's going to be down to us as a team carrrying each other through and having the deep seated determination to succeed."

If they can summon the strength and determination, avoiding hurricanes and rogue waves on their way to Port St Charles in Barbados then they stand a chance of making history in their robust but cramped vessel.

To find out more about Robins and the team go to www.atlanticfantastic.com or to make a donation to Neurocare Robins' fundraising site is www.justgiving.com/atlanticfantastic/