Million Meter Row on show at Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show

by Adventure4aCure on 8 May 2012 An ordinary Aussie surf lifesaver from Brisbane is set to embark on a gruelling three-month marathon row across the Atlantic Ocean - facing sharks, storms, 30ft waves and shipping - to raise $500k in funds seriously ill children and their families - and you can see him in action at the 2012 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.

In preparation for his adventure, Andrew will be attempting several world records. On 22nd May 2012, he will take on the Million Meter Row, where he will need to row for 5 ½ days on a Concept 2 rowing machine to beat record holder Nigel Gowers, in 128hrs 38,ins 19secs.

Andrew made the attempt last year but fell short due to illness. This year, he is even more passionate, more determined, and the fact that he is back for this gruelling event again proves the good old Aussie fighting spirit in him.

'I’m back, More Passionate, More Determined, and doing it for the Kids,' said Andrew. 'A huge thank you must go to Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show for giving me the opportunity again and their continued support.'

Andrew will set out on his Atlantic adventure in December 2013. Known as the Ultimate Test of Strength and Endurance, the race spans 5000kms of open water, from La Gomera, Canary Islands to English Harbour, Antigua.

In the next 18 months, Andrew Abrahams will have to master the art of dodging shipping and prepare himself for the many physical and mental challenges he will face along the way.

'I am constantly reminded of the pain and suffering that the children and their families go through when sickness or injury has struck a family member, so I use that energy to help me find a way to help. Now when things get tough, as I prepare myself for the Ultimate Test of Strength and Endurance, I say to myself with a smile on my face, I’m rowing the Atlantic,' says Andrew.

Andrew will be pushed beyond his mental and physical limits as he faces sharks and whales, extreme temperatures, powerful storms and 30ft+ waves. He will have to adjust to the stark living conditions on board: constant motion, no bathroom facilities, limited cooking ability and desalinated water.

The Atlantic Rowing Race provides ordinary individuals with the extraordinary opportunity to take on a once-in-a-lifetime challenge.

Andrew will be raising funds through Lions and Couee Community. Through the Lions Club of Rochedale Springwood and Couee Community, Andrew is able to guarantee that all profits from this campaign will go directly the cause, and not be wasted in overhead costs and wages of other charities. They will purchase much needed equipment for children in need, and approach charities for wish lists.

The Lions are all 100% volunteers and proud to be involved. Couee Community have the same beliefs and are focussed on helping people in your community.

The Woodvale Challenge Atlantic Rowing Race 2012 is Andrew’s second major fundraising adventure. Andrew is a co-founder of the successful Big W Townsville to Cairns Bike Ride, a three day and 350km long event raising funds to support research into children’s cancer. Since its launch in 1999, the event has raised more than $2.1 million for childhood cancer.

Andrew will be sharing his heroic story and row boat with the Australian public at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show and attempting the World Record for rowing on a Concept 2 Rowing machine for 1 Million Meters in 128hrs 38mins 19secs.
Time: 6am-11.30pm
Date: Tuesday 22nd –27th May 2012
Location: Sanctuary Cove
Contact: Andrew Abrahams, Atlantic Rowing Race Entrant Ph: 0432 66 1676

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