Newly initiated Sussex Freemasons Matt Garman, Neil Furminger and Steve Woolley took on the gruelling Talisker Whisky Atlantic challenge in December.
The trio sailed from the Canary Islands to Antigua. The team of three dads called themselves Ocean Dadventure in a bid to show that life begins at 40 (or 50). Between them, they’ve competed in CrossFit games, climbed mountains, finished Ironman challenges and competed in endurance swimming events.
This was their biggest challenge yet, but all the more worthy as the team was raising money for both the Wolo Foundation and Prostate Cancer UK –charities close to their hearts. They completed the first 1,000 miles in 18 days, having spent Christmas aboard with a unique Christmas lunch of reindeer stew.
Around 15 days later on 14 January, they hit the 2,000-mile mark. This gruelling feat of physical and mental strength tested the trio to their limits. But regular check-ins with family, and a camaraderie that can only be found under the most challenging of conditions, gave them the drive, resilience and tenacity to push through. By the time they reached English Harbour in Antigua, the trio had rowed well over 3,000 miles, raising more than £16,000 for their chosen charities.
