BRITISH MARRIED COUPLE Richard and Helena Smalman-Smith emerged from their rowboat yesterday a bit wobbly but overjoyed that they had completed the 75-day journey across the Atlantic Ocean from the Canary Islands to Barbados.
The Londoners, who arrived at Port St Charles, St Peter, midday to conclude an epic journey covering more than 2 500 nautical miles, had embarked on the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge to raise funds for two charities – St Mungo’s, the homeless people’s charity, and the Huntington’s Disease Association of the United Kingdom.
The rowers, who left the Canary Islands last December 5, said though they were happy about the accomplishment, they did not think they would attempt it again.
“The trip was a long way. We had very fast conditions, especially the first month; it was really scary and I felt trapped, but Huntington’s disease does not kill you quickly and when I think of the years [a rowing colleague who inspired the mission] has been trapped in her body, that really helped me through the first month,” said Helena.
Full story in today’s SUNDAY SUN.
