The Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge is touted as "The World's Toughest Row" for a reason. It is 3,000 nautical mile journey across the Atlantic Ocean in a rowboat. But some daring people choose to cross the Atlantic to test the limit of their physical and mental strength; to achieve something un-thinkable. One team in particular, Yorkshire Rows, 4 working mothers from Yorkshire, England came to our (Glidecoat’s) attention - Janette Benaddi, 51, Helen Butters, 45, Niki Doeg, 44 and Frances Davies, 47.
There is however, one more member of the family and an integral member of the Yorkshire team - their Rannoch 45, 'Rose'. The 28-foot vessel endured 30-foot swells, a hurricane and a host of other technical difficulties - yet she reached the end of the challenge pretty much unscathed. This is in a large part due to Glidecoat.
- Boat Name:
- Rose
- Rowers:
- Janette Benaddi, Helen Butters, Niki Doeg and Frances Davies
- Length:
- 8 meters
The Talisker Whiskey Challenge is an incredible feat. Not just for the rowers, but for the boat as well. Unlike larger vessels crossing the Atlantic, 'Rose' travels at 1-3 knots rowing. This speed makes it possible for marine growth to easily attach themselves to the hull. The women in the Yorkshire Rows were reluctant to have to get into the frigid February mid-Atlantic waters (32°F on average) to scrub barnacles and other marine growth from the boat. Beyond the temperature, the rough weather, swells and marine life make this a very dangerous process. Yet keeping the boat clean is a critical task, which if left undone, could markedly slow down the boat.
In early December 2015, the Yorkshire Rows team had their boat delivered to the Glidecoat Facility in Earls Colne, Essex, UK where it was completely coated. Glidecoat Liquid Crystal was applied to the entire boat and oars following the Glidecoat Professional Coating process:
In addition all fabric, seats and sleeping gear was treated with Glidecoat’s Smart Fabric Protecto to protect it from water and to also add an anti-bacterial element given the very close living quarters.
