Based in Bristol, The Bristol Gulls, an all-female rowing team, are getting set to row the Atlantic in the most sustainable way possible, to raise awareness of plastic pollution and the importance of safeguarding our oceans.
The teams Eco Ocean Rowing Boat, manufactured by Rannoch Adventure, will be the first of its kind and the most sustainable boat ever rowed in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge. Not only are the Bristol Gulls ensuring their boat is as sustainable as possible, but they’re also considering every aspect of their challenge from eco-friendly suncream to sustainable fabric alternatives for their clothes.
Designed to have less impact on the environment, the brand new Eco Boat, will undertake its maiden voyage during the challenge as the team attempt the first-ever sustainable Atlantic rowing crossing, in this race.
Charlie Pitcher, Founder and Director of Rannoch Adventure comments:
“We are delighted to be working with this forward-thinking team and their ecoboat which has less impact on the environment in its construction method. Added to the team’s respect for the ocean is their focus on this challenge, as a sustainable crossing ticks all our boxes. We wish them the very best of luck moving forwards”
Lorna Carter, The Bristol Gulls Engineer, specialises in composite materials manufacturing. She comments:
“We are so excited to partner up with Rannoch on the Eco Boat project. This will be the first eco boat to be entered into the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge. Our Eco Boat will not only be made from more sustainable composite materials but the build process is also being adapted to have less impact on the environment. We can’t wait to see how it develops over the next few months.”
The Bristol Gulls will be rowing 3,000 nautical miles across the vast Atlantic Ocean in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge in December 2020. The team is rowing to raise money for the RNLI and Clean Up Bristol Harbour, two organisations that share their mission to promote a safe and sustainable relationship with our oceans.
The team consists of Aileen Booth, Chloe Juyon, Lorna Carter and Sofia Deambrosi, and the team aim to set a number of world records on their row next December, including the first-ever Uruguayan and first South American woman to row across any ocean. Described as the ‘world’s toughest row’, the Bristol-based rowers will start the challenge in La Gomera, in the Canary Islands, and finish in Antigua. Currently, fewer people have rowed the Atlantic than have travelled into space or climbed Mount Everest.
In order to fund their challenge and ensure their journey is as eco-friendly as possible, The Bristol Gulls are looking to raise money through Crowdfunder and corporate backers. The first fundraising target is £6,000 by the end of August.
Sofia Deambrosi, the Bristol Gulls’ Team Captain comments: “Pollution of our oceans is a worldwide problem. We’re committed to making a difference, starting with our local waters here in Bristol. We want to help shine a spotlight on the pollution in our oceans and encourage people all over the world to think about their own impact on the planet. We will train hard and work around the clock but we cannot achieve our mission without the support of Crowdfunder backers and corporate sponsors who share our passion for sustainability.”
“We are looking for corporate partners to help us reach £150,000 to be able to race. Every pound gets us closer to the start line, and the entire undertaking will mean the world to these charities. This is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to back our gruelling challenge and help us in our mission to safeguard our oceans.”
Lorna Carter, The Bristol Gulls Engineer, specialises in composite materials research and manufacturing. She comments:
“We are so excited to partner up with Rannoch on the Eco Boat project. This will be the first eco boat to be entered into the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge. Our Eco Boat will not only be made from more sustainable composite materials but the build process is also being adapted to have less impact on the environment. We can’t wait to see how it develops over the next few months.”
To sponsor The Bristol Gulls visit: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/the-bristol-gulls or more information and to find out about corporate sponsorship opportunities, please contact thebristolgulls@gmail.com.
Find out more about their challenge here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQGaus7LOmo
