Harris - First to cross the Atlantic - 8/1/2008
As a key sponsor, Harris Claims Group are delighted to congratulate the Pura Vida team on winning the Woodvale 2007 Atlantic Rowing Race.
Seven weeks after setting off from the island of La Gomera in the Canaries, the boat 'Pura Vida' was the first to cross the finish line in Antigua, with a time of 48 days, 2 hours and 2 minutes to complete the gruelling 2,900 mile crossing. After beating off the challenge of 22 other boats, the crew were escorted into the English Harbour by a flotilla of boats and landed to the cheers of the waiting crowd and the music of a traditional steel band.
With no previous rowing experience, the achievement of the four man team of John Cecil-Wright, Robbie Grant, Tom Harvey and Carl Theakston is even the more remarkable, particularly as 44 year old Carl had admitted to a fear of water! It was Carl, the Chairman of Malvern based paper products firm, ESP, that invited the Harris Group to sponsor the team's efforts. Having supported his company following a major warehouse fire 12 months earlier, we had no hesitation in supporting this venture and again helping to achieve a successful outcome. Not only was the race won, but charities including The Big Issue, Crisis and Raleigh International have beneffited to the tune of several thousands of pounds. Well done chaps!
http://www.atlanticrowingchallenge.com/
http://www.atlanticrowingrace2007.co.uk/index.php