(📷Photo Credit: Ben Duffy)
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It took the four men 40 days, almost 1,000 hours rowing, nearly 1 million calories, 700 litres of water, 52,000 watts of solar power, unimaginable inner strength
It took the four men 40 days, almost 1,000 hours rowing, nearly 1 million calories, 700 litres of water, 52,000 watts of solar power, unimaginable inner strength and a large dose of humour to row the 3,000 miles, unsupported, from the Canaries to the Caribbean island of Antigua.
The distinctive green NAGICO branded ocean rowing boat, Ellida, rowed into English Harbour at 22 January 2019 at 7am , to complete the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge in sixth place, taking 40 days, 23 hours and 33 minutes.
The sinewy, tanned and bearded men were given an emotional, rousing welcome from their families and over 100 supporters and friends of NAGICO Insurances clients, partners and local supporters who came out to welcome the team home.
NAGICO’s Chairman Imran McSood Amjad greeted the team as they stepped off the boat: “We are very proud to be associated with Atlantic Discovery. These men have embraced the extreme hardships they have faced at sea and found the strength to triumph. Their resilience and teamwork is commendable – I consider Ben, Cam, Isaac and Jack to be part of the NAGICO family.”
“It is also an honour for me to symbolically countersign the Excess of Loss Treaty between NAGICO Group and Swiss Re which Cameron Parker signed in the mid-Atlantic in a world first on behalf of Swiss Re.” Cameron Parker is Captain of the rowing team and Head P&C Structured Solutions Continental Europe at Swiss Re.
Cameron said that the moment of arriving in Antigua to meet Mac, Kyria and the NAGICO team was what he had been looking forward to most. “The journey was the toughest challenge each of us has ever done. We’ve learned a great deal about ourselves as individuals, and as a team. What motivated us on the row is all the support we have received from everyone. Messages, encouragement and donations – this has been the fuel that has kept us going. We wanted to make you all proud and celebrate with you at the finish.”
The team did the row to raise £60K (USD 80K) for Multiple Sclerosis (MS), which affects 2.5 million people worldwide. Ben’s mother Rose was diagnosed with MS while her son was still at school. “My mum has lived with MS for 18 years. Every day is a frustrating struggle, yet she overcomes her symptoms with sheer determination and grit. She has taught me that one grows as a person by overcoming adversity. I reminded myself during the row that no matter the challenges we faced, my mum’s journey has been even more difficult.”
Finishing this race means that the team will receive promised donations to their chosen charities from the Hiscox Foundation, Lyme Bay Consulting and a personal donation from Kyria Ali, Group Chief Strategy and Development Officer and the staff of NAGICO, boosting funds raised so far to £24,000 (USD 31,200).
“We are truly proud of Team Atlantic Discovery – what they have accomplished is no easy feat and is quite frankly, awe inspiring. They have demonstrated how ordinary people can do extraordinary things and reminded us all of the power of humanity. Our staff in all 21 territories closely followed the team’s journey. We are honored to have been a part of this amazing story and created history as well with Swiss Re.” said Kyria Ali, NAGICO’s Chief Strategy and Development Officer.
Donations continue to be accepted and the team hope to reach their target in the next few weeks.
The remaining 21 ocean-rowing vessels are still to complete the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge over the next few weeks.