In December 2020 Rob will row solo and unsupported 3000 miles across the Atlantic as part of the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge in support of two incredible charities. Rowing solo across the world’s second largest ocean will push Rob to his physical and mental limit – there is a reason why more people have climbed Mt. Everest than have rowed across the Atlantic
Atlantic Titan is made up of just one person,
29-year-old Rob Hamilton. Rob has always enjoyed pushing
himself to find his limit. He has completed two
ultra-mountain marathons, is a climber, a technical
diver, a powerlifter and has travelled to 48 countries
so far, with a particular fascination for the Middle
East.
In 2016 Rob achieved a lifelong dream when he started
his training to become an officer in the British Army at
the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. However, shortly
after starting his training he injured his knee and was
medically discharged. The diagnosis – avascular necrosis
resulting in a partially dead knee, three months on
crutches and no more long-distance running.
This was certainly a shock to his system and while he
had always wanted to take part in the Talisker Whisky
Atlantic Challenge, this unfortunate turn of events
meant he is now more determined than ever to not only
complete the crossing but win the solo category. With
the goal of proving to himself and others that injuries
and life changing events need not be a barrier for
achieving extraordinary things.
The Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge is the premier event in ocean rowing – A challenge that will take you more than 3000 Miles west from San Sebastian in La Gomera, Canary Islands (28oN 18oW) to Nelson’s Dockyard English Harbour, Antigua & Barbuda (17oN 61oW). The annual race begins in early December, with over 30 teams participating from around the world.
Rowing for up to 18 hours a day is exhausting, giving very little time to sleep, coupled with the fact that sleeping in an ocean rowing boat is often quite bumpy. Ocean rowers frequently report hallucinations.
Salt from the ocean gets everywhere, all over your skin and clothes. With nowhere to wash the salt can often lead to painful sores which have the potential to lead to infection.
With temperatures in excess of 30 degrees, no shade on the boat and rowing all day, every day, dehydration is a real risk. The onboard watermaker is therefore a vital piece of equipment.
Waves in the Atlantic can be big, really big, up to 30ft (9 metres) high, in fact. This may be ok in a larger ocean-going vessel but in a small 24ft (7.3 metres) rowing boat it can lead to capsizes.
Spending all this time rowing burns a huge number of calories, approximately 8000 a day. However, rowers typically only manage to eat 6000 calories a day. Therefore, Rob will likely lose between 10kg and 15kg on the crossing. This may be exacerbated by bouts of sea sickness which drain energy and motivation making it all that much harder.
Rob is raising money for two extremely worthwhile causes,
Collateral Repair Project (CRP), a refugee support organisation based in Amman, Jordan.
And the
Invictus Games Foundation (IGF)
which supports and empowers service personnel from around
the world who have suffered life changing injuries, visible
or otherwise. Rob has previously worked for CRP in 2018 and
his short stint training to be an officer in the British
Army has given him an appreciation of the needs of both
refugees and veterans.
In their own ways, both organisations support victims of
conflict. While the beneficiaries of these organisations may
have different backgrounds they often have similar injuries
and Rob is keen to draw attention to fact that while they
are treated as separate causes, they are often two sides of
the same coin.
When most people think about the refugee crisis, they think of boats making dangerous journeys across the Mediterranean, and families crowded into tents in European camps. But the reality is that the vast majority of displaced people never reach Europe. This is where CRP comes in. Since 2006, CRP have supported urban refugees in Amman. The organisation tries to meet the immediate needs of its beneficiaries by distributing food vouchers and providing medical support. They give out warm clothes and heaters in the winter, and back-to-school supplies in September. At their community centre in east Amman they offer classes and activities focusing on education and trauma relief. Donate
On a trip to the Warrior Games in the USA in 2013,
HRH The Duke of Sussex saw first-hand how the power
of sport can help physically, psychologically and
socially those suffering from injuries and illness.
He was inspired by his visit and the Invictus Games
was born. The Games have been supporting wounded
service personnel since 2014, when the inaugural
Invictus Games were held in London. The organisation
harness’ the power of sport to inspire recovery,
support rehabilitation and generate a wider
understanding and respect for those who serve their
country.
If you would like to help Rob meet his fundraising
goal, please follow the link below.
Donate