Stubbs seeks crew for the Ultimate Challenge of a lifetime

by Patricia Juarez on 16 Aug 2001 Former Goss Atlantic Rower Mark Stubbs will put a
number of athletes to the test in a gruelling weekend
of physical training and endurance tests in November
in a bid to identify crew fit enough in mind and body
to take part in a two-year project to conquer Atlantic
Rowing records.

The ultimate aim is to break Atlantic rowing records
in both directions, West to East and East to West.
Stubbs is looking for a full complement of ten to
train as a team; four will go on to row the Atlantic,
West to East, in June 2002 in the original 'Goss
Atlantic Row' boat, arguably the most high tech rowing
boat ever built.

Following the West to East attempt,another four rowers
will set off to row the Atlantic in the other
direction, from East to West. Two rowers will train
as back ups should injury or circumstance prevent
anyone from taking part.

Stubbs, former Royal Marine, said, “The right people
will already have an impressive background in
competitive endurance sports, to show that they have
the motivation and mind set to tackle rowing the
Atlantic. Equally important, is their ability to gel
with the existing team; we will be living in very
close quarters under immense pressure and it is vital
that we trust the skill and integrity of each crew
member.

“It is not essential that they have ocean rowing
experience because throughout the coming year we will
have a very intensive on-water training schedule, but
it certainly would be advantageous. They need to be
able to commit to our intensive training programme
which includes regular weekend training sessions.”

As a first step in the selection process, Stubbs has
asked for interested athletes to email him with 5
reasons why they think they have the credentials
necessary to conquer the Atlantic in record time (see
note to editor). Once through the first hurdle,
individuals will be invited to meet the current team,
and row with them.

The official selection process will take place on
Dartmoor on the 17th and 18th of November 2001.
Stubbs commented, “It is important that this selection
process is as much for potential crew members as for
the team. In addition to being a physical and mental
challenge, we intend to enjoy the row every bit of the
way. It will be an immense individual as well as team
achievement. It is important that new crew members
know what will be required, and not only that I think
they are right for the team, but that we are right for
them. This is the challenge of a lifetime, and total
commitment to the ultimate goal is essential.”

He added, “In such a small team, it is important that
each member’s own skills base and expertise add to the
overall competitiveness of the team. It might be that
one member has expert boat building expertise, and
another is a skilled navigator; the aim of our
selection weekend is to identify a well rounded group
of individuals who can complement each other’s
strengths and weaknesses.”

Currently, the team includes Mark Stubbs, 37, a fire
fighter from Poole, Steve King, 24, a fire fighter
from Birmingham and New Zealander Rob Hammel, 32.
Mark and Rob are both married, Mark with two children.

Mark and Rob have already accrued successful
Atlantic rowing crossings in Chay Blyth’s 1996
Atlantic
Challenge; Rob Hammel winning it in just 41 days in
1996.

In addition to their full time ‘day jobs’, the current
team train seven days a week following a programme
developed by Benetton Formula One Human Performance
trainer Bernie Shrosbree. A ‘heavy’ training day may
include a two-hour sea row in the morning, and a
further 2 hours of strength training or mountain
biking in the evening. A ‘light’ training day
includes just one two-hour workout during the day,
often a 20k ‘ergo pyramid’ row. The team have
continual assessments at Shrosbree’s Benetton Formula
One Human Performance Centre to ensure they remain on
course for their ultimate goal.

Anyone interested in being considered for the
selection weekend should email
mark@mstubbs.freeserve.co.uk, highlighting 5 reasons
why they think they have the credentials necessary to
conquer the Atlantic in record time, including a
telephone number.