A 60-year-old grandfather is preparing to tackle the “world’s toughest sailing trip” across the Atlantic alone with the backing of music icon Sir Elton John.
‘Atlantic Rocket’ Andrew Major is set to row 3,000 miles from the tiny island of La Gomera off Tenerife to English Harbour in Antigua and Barbuda in a gruelling challenge expected to take up to 60 days at sea.
The Briton, who has already raised more than £12,000 for the Elton John Aids Foundation, will spend 18 hours a day rowing through the world’s most challenging waters, with violent storms and waves of up to 40ft, in a feat he hopes to complete in two months.
He was forced to sell his luxury car and mortgage part of his house to finance the costs of the challenge; his rowing boat alone, named Jazzy after his wife, cost him £75,000.
Both Sir John and his husband David Furnish are supportive of the rower’s efforts to raise money for his foundation, and have even given written permission for the 60-year-old to use the title ‘Atlantic Rocketman’.
‘Atlantic Rocketman’ Andrew Major shakes hands with Gary from Rannoch Adventure, who is helping him prepare for the long journey with an electricity course so he can use the solar panels on his boat.
Mr Major has shared photographs of himself on social media training for the trip.
The route will see Mr Major row 3,000 miles from the tiny island of La Gomera, off Tenerife, to English Harbour in Antigua and Barbuda.
Although most contestants compete in pairs, trios or quartets, the 60-year-old from Portsmouth decided to take on the challenge solo.
In late July, she shared a photo on Instagram showing her pre-shipment inspection with Fraser Mowlem of the Atlantic Campaigns Security Team.
Speaking about the race, which starts in December, Major said: “I’ve never done anything like this before. I’m a marathon runner and I’ve run in rivers before, but nothing like this.”
Although most contestants compete in pairs, trios or quartets, the 60-year-old from Portsmouth decided to take on the challenge solo.
Speaking about the race, which starts in December, he said: “I’ve never done anything like this before. I’m a marathon runner and I’ve run in rivers before, but nothing like this.
‘It’s called the world’s toughest rowing race for a reason. It takes around 18 hours of rowing each day and involves rowing through heavy rain, violent storms and waves of up to 12 metres.
‘I recently realized that I was experiencing the early symptoms of burnout syndrome, which were progressive and insidious. So I decided to do something for myself. Put myself first for once.
“And I wanted to do it for a great cause, and the Elton John AIDS Foundation has done wonderful things.”
The Atlantic crossing will begin from La Gomera on December 12 and will feature more than 40 teams competing, although only seven will do it alone.
Mr Major added: “It’s brutal. Last year someone died after suffering a heart attack and the rest of the four-person team had to be rescued.
“I estimate it will take me between 40 and 60 days to complete. That means I won’t be able to be there for Christmas, which has upset my wife a lot, but I’ve said I want everyone at the finish line in Antigua to celebrate.”
