Rower with naked ambition wanted

AN INTREPID rower is searching for someone strong enough mentally and physically to join him on a transatlantic crossing.

However, his team mate will also need to be comfortable baring all at sea – as it is customary to complete the gruelling challenge naked.

Mark Story, 36, from Torpoint, is looking for a rowing partner to help him complete the epic 3,000 mile journey from the Canary Islands to the Caribbean, due to take place in December 2009 in aid of the charity Ellie's Haven.

Mark, who is a people management consultant, said: "The most important attribute of a new partner is that we get on – out in the Atlantic, any crack in the strength of the partnership will be exposed and could put the whole project and our lives at risk."

The row is organised by Woodvale Challenge Ltd in Saltash which first held the race in 1997 and has run it almost every two years since.

Mark was geared up to complete the adventure with his brother, but he is no longer able to take part, leaving Mark with the added challenge of finding someone to step into the vacant rowing seat.

The crossing will take between 50 and 70 days to complete with the pair rowing on a two hour shift rotation, night and day. Mark and his partner will have to carry their own food and make their own water from sea water. Living conditions will be fairly cramped, the boat has a cabin that is just about big enough for one person to curl up in and the toilet facilities are affectionately referred to as 'bucket and chuck it'.

Mark said: "I am after someone with special characteristics – there is, of course, the physical and mental stress of the actual row, but I also need someone to help publicise the adventure to attract corporate sponsors."

Mark was inspired to take up the challenge after years of messing about in the sea in Cornwall and from reading about sea adventurers and thinking "why can't I do that?" It was after hearing about Ellie's Haven, a charity aiming to build a respite care home for children with life-threatening illnesses, he committed to the challenge.

He said: "When I met Ellie and her parents Nigel and Julie Libby, they seemed such normal people doing something so extraordinary we knew we should be doing this for them."

The team will have the support of Torpoint Town Council through the Mayor John Crago, as well as Nick Day from the Royal Marines who will be the support team manager.

Mark is looking for local small businesses to commit to sponsoring the row at 10p per mile (£300) and for larger local businesses to sponsor the row at £1 per mile (£3,000) – Mark is also looking for a 'Gold Sponsor' at £30,000 who can paint the boat in their company colours and name the boat.

Contact Mark through the Atlantic Freedom website, www.atlanticfreedom.com.