Rowing the Atlantic Ocean for the Ocean Cleanup
OUR MISSION IS TWOFOLD
"We will row for cleaner oceans and therefor our mission is to raise as many funds as possible for The Ocean Cleanup"
and
"We are on a mission to set a world record in a mixed 4 during the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge in 2022"
INGEBORG
"I'm not sure about an inner child, but I have an inner idiot that surfaces every now and then."
When I was asked to join this crew, the first thing that came to mind was "hell yeah!". You can call me nuts, but I didn’t have an answer for "why not cross the ocean in a row boat?". Though many people - friends, family and colleagues alike - asked me different questions, the common consensus was clear: "Only crazy people would want to cross the ocean in a row boat!”. This only lead me to the answer I couldn't deny—I was going to cross the ocean in a row boat! On top of wanting to push my physical and mental limits, there was also a feeling. A feeling that I needed to find out what will become of me when nature - the ocean - won't show any mercy.
Now here we are - four motivated people - a diverse team which will build on their strengths and weaknesses to achieve the same goal. We will show our endurance along the way to Antigua and will make you, the team and - most importantly - ourselves proud!
ILJA
“Opportunity favours the bold.”
It was a few years ago that I came across the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge for the first time. I call it a sort of love at first sight. I could hardly sleep for a few days while visualizing myself with teammates in a small boat on that huge ocean. It was the thrill and pure excitement that inspired me to promise myself to—one day—participate in this challenge.
Back then, I was just starting my own company and, due to other life events, it was not the right moment to embark on this journey. Now, a few years later, the thrill and determination are more present than ever. 2022 is going to be the moment for this life-changing adventure.
With a few months to go before the start, I am -on the one hand- happy that there is still quite some time to prepare us thoroughly for the elements that will be thrown to us, but on the other hand…I can’t wait till we set off and collaboratively row to the other side of the Atlantic Ocean.
GUUS
“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.“
For me, rowing across the Atlantic Ocean is about pushing boundaries. More people have climbed Everest than rowed an ocean. As the youngest of the crew, I am just starting my career. I see rowing across the Atlantic as an experience that will help me for the rest of my life! I strongly believe that, no matter how tough the situation or how bad the mood is, there is always something to be happy about. By looking at the bright side in each situation, I can hopefully lighten moods if needed and give new energy to the team in tough situations. I look forward to completing this gigantic challenge with my team!
MARCEL
“The ocean is calling and I cannot resist.“
Ocean rowing brings smiles to my face, remembering the big waves, the endless sea, the friendship we made on the ocean, has made me longing for another crossing.
In 2018 I participated with Dutch Atlantic Four in the TWAC '18.
We started the race to 'just' go out and live the adventure of our lives and to arrive as better friends. After the first day we found ourselves at a leading position and we adapted our goals; we still wanted to arrive and be even better friends, but we added to goal to win the toughest rowing race of the world. And we did!
When there was a vacant place in the NEDurance team and I was asked for this, I did not have to think long about an answer.
The goal to attack the world record for mixed teams (currently 42 days) for me as a competition rower in the Dutch life boat rowing competition is very challenging.
To go out on the ocean with three equally like-minded rowing mates is just fantastic.
Yes of course I would like to join this team!
The race is on!!
