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Oar Blimey transatlantic rowers back under way after unexpected detour

Posted onPosted on 27th Dec

Mansfield transatlantic charity rowers George Nelson and Russ Davis have resumed their bid to row unsupported across the Atlantic Ocean from Portugal to Sint Maarten after having to make an unscheduled stop in Gran Canaria for repairs.

The Oar Blimey rowers, who aim to raise £250,000 for two dementia charities, had problems with their solar panel, which was not charging batteries, forcing them to spend Christmas Day on the island.

But after having a new solar panel and battery fitted at Las Palmas Marina, the brothers-in-law are back under way.

The rowers said: “Absolutely delighted to report that the boat repair has now been carried out; with a brand new solar panel fitted (and a new battery) we can finally leave the beautiful island of Gran Canaria! Russ and I will be rowing into the night, and dodging our way around some big old tankers…

“Next stop for team Oar Blimey, Sint Maarten!”

 

 George and Russ set off on a three-month adventure of a lifetime on 1st December, aiming to row unsupported across the Atlantic Ocean and raise £250,000 for two dementia charities. They will each row for two hours at a time and then rest in between.

The 3,500-mile challenge began in front of a small group of supporters in Portugal and the duo want to reach Sint Maarten in the Caribbean.

Team Oar Blimey are rowing in a Rannoch Adventure R20, which is just 6.5m long and 1.2m wide, in their bid to help Our Dementia Choir with Vicky McClure and Ladybrook Enterprises.

The rowers can be tracked at www.oarblimey.co.uk or download the YB Races app and add their race, “Oar Blimey Atlantic Ocean Challenge 2023”.

To find out more about the rowing challenge or to help support the cause, visit https://oarblimey.co.uk where you can make a donation or find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/oarblimey