Rowers’ Atlantic challenge

Devon duo aiming to row Atlantic in record time

Twenty foot waves, howling gales, sleep deprivation, swirling currents and 3,000 miles of open ocean - one stroke at a time. James Bevan from Atherington and Dom Thorne from High Bickington (pictured right) are battling to row across the Atlantic in just 30 days. Exeter Chiefs. “I have always wanted to push my body to the limits, and when offered the opportunity to row the Atlantic Ocean whilst raising money for an amazing cause, I didn’t think twice.”

They are taking on this epic sea voyage to raise awareness of mental health organisations and the vital work they do, and are aiming to raise £40,000 for their chosen charities.

“The thing that is getting me through the pain is the thought of my mum Gaynor’s Sunday roasts!” said Dom, who used to play rugby for South Molton and now coaches the women’s premiership team for the

James Bevan (left) and Dom Thorne (right) before starting their Atlantic crossing

James Bevan is a former Deputy Head Boy at Chulmleigh College and now works as a sports scientist in the academy at Exeter City Football Club. Headteacher Michael Johnson said, “He was a great role model, always ferociously determined, particularly in PE. He was the last one standing when given a challenge, time and time again. We applaud James for his incredible adventure and send him our very best wishes.”

The Cockleshell Endeavour set out from Gran Canaria in December. The crew of four, along with a second boat ‘Atlantic Dagger’, will land in Barbados in early February. Rotating rowing duties, they rarely get more than 2 hours sleep. They can only send short text messages, but near the half way point Dom said, “We cleaned the bottom of the boat today, and had our first swim and clean in ten days - then saw some dolphins, had a glass of port and are back on it again!”

Many of the crews taking part are service veterans with their own personal experience of mental health issues.

Hospice boost from community events

Atlantic crossing - track them live online: mission-atlantic.com

Setting off from Gran Canaria in December - as we go to print they are more than half way, but are facing difficult weather and currents

So far they have raised just over £9,000 of their £40,000 target. Urging Molton Monthly readers to support the Cockleshell Endeavour Atlantic Row Challenge, James and Dom said, “No one should have to suffer in silence.” Read more on the Mission Atlantic Row and Cockleshell Endeavour 2021 Facebook pages, and you can donate online here: gofundme.com/f/atlantic-row-wr-attempt-for-mental-health-service