Niall Brannigan from Southport will compete in a gruelling 3,000 mile race across the Atlantic Ocean next year ... in a rowing boat!

Niall is the skipper of Team SeaSoar, a four man crew that will row constantly with a two hours on and two hours off shift system for around 35-40 days.

Starting in the Canary Isles and finishing in Antigua, the race has taken place for a number of years and gets better and bigger each year.

Niall and his crew have passed all their RYA compulsory courses in Essential Navigation; Safety At Sea; First Aid and VHF Radio licence and have completed an Ocean Rowing Course.

These are the strict rules the organisers demand, including hundreds of hours in open sea, darkness, and testing conditions that they will need to complete in order to qualify for final registration, and needing around £170,000 in sponsorship opportunities to get them to the start line!

The World’s Toughest Row brings together teams from all walks of life united by the same objective: to take on the unique challenge of crossing an ocean in a rowing boat.

The atmosphere is electric as people help each other prepare for the challenge of the mighty Atlantic Ocean.

Teams battle with sleep deprivation, salt sores, and physical extremes inflicted by the race. Rowers are left with their own thoughts, an expanse of the ocean and the job of getting the boat safely to the other side.

The race offers different experiences to all involved. The challenge creates strong friendships and competitiveness gives way to the camaraderie that is required to complete the challenge. Upon finishing, rowers join a small community of friends that have shared the adventures of an ocean crossing. The mental and physical endurance will result in a life-changing achievement, that will never be forgotten.

In amongst that achievement the crew will have rowed in excess of 1.5 million oar strokes, experienced 20ft waves, burning 5000-6000 calories each per day, and also more seriously running the risk of Marlin strikes against the hull of the boat, which saw the nose of a Marlin penetrate the sleeping cabin by six inches on one boat last year.

The crew are supported by Southport business EFT Group Ltd and are honoured to have them as their Platinum Sponsor.

A spokesperson for EFT said “ EFT are are absolutely delighted to be sponsoring SeaSoar on their incredible challenge and it’s a great opportunity to get behind an epic adventure and support hard work and determination, which aligns with our own ethics.

"We look forward to watching their journey closely and organising lots of events to make sure the team has the best support for crossing that finish line.”

Niall adds: “This is an event taken by a rapidly expanding community, and the growth of that community is perhaps owed to the fact there is probably nothing else quite like it on the planet.

"The idea that we will disappear to sea without a motor or sails is extreme. Terrifying for many, alluring for a few, it will definitely drop jaws and widen eyes. Regardless of who my crew of John, Sam and Jason are as individuals, this will level us and bring us together forever.

"We’re using human power to propel us across an ocean. Now that’s an achievement!"

Some other facts: Race starts December 12th each year so we spend Christmas Day at sea. Niall is married to Kate, with twin boys Harry and Jack aged 12.

We expect to raise around £100K for charity and these include the EFT Foundation, which financially helps families and communities in the areas where EFT work and Lyme Disease Uk, as John’s daughter is a chronic sufferer of the disease for a number of years.

Can you donate to this amazing to these causes - CLICK HERE

naill@teamseasoar.co.uk

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