James Ketchell

Solo Atlantic rower in his boat Speedo!

On the 5th of January James Ketchell will be solo rowing the Atlantic (2700 miles!) in his boat named Speedo, in aid of the NSPCC. He will be using products from Speedo and Berghaus to help him on his way. An average crossing time is between 55 and 65 days, so he will be rowing on Christmas day, but shouldn’t be too cold as he will start from La Gomera in the Canary Islands and finish in Antigua in the West Indies.

You can follow James on our facebook page. We caught up with him before he and his boat left for La Gomera:

1. What led you to the decision to compete in the Atlantic Rowing Race? Before this decision describe your rowing experience.

I wanted a real challenge and love doing things that are a little different. After my motorbike accident I needed to focus on something and I knew a lot about the Atlantic rowing race as I had been researching it for a while. This was the perfect thing to focus on for me. I had no real rowing experience before hand apart form a lot of time on indoor rowers. It may seem strange but rowing is only a small part of this challenge, staying alive is the priority. Getting to Antigua as quickly as possible comes second.

2. Few people have rowed solo across the Atlantic. Do you view your participation in the Atlantic Rowing Race as a race or more so as an act of accomplishment and pride?

It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time so it is an accomplishment for me. However it would be great to win the solo class in the race. I’ll do my best to get across as quickly as possible.

3. How did you prepare both physically and mentally for your row across the Atlantic?

Physically I train twice a day, 2 hours in the morning on the rower and then weights sessions in the evenings. Mentally there’s not a massive amount I can do. Knowing all my kit and how everything works is a big help. Whilst on the boat I can call family and friends so hopefully that should help.

4. Describe your emotions at the present? How have they progressed throughout your training?

I feel confident as I know I’ve worked hard over the last year and a half. As I’ve got closer to leaving I have got a little more nervous but I thinks that’s quite normal considering what I’m about to do. Knowing I’m physically fit does help.

5. After you leave the Canary Islands you will have no physical contact with anyone. What types of technology will you have on board to remain in contact?

I will have a satellite phone, which also doubles up as a modem. This enables me to send/receive emails and update the website whilst on board the boat. I will be updating a dairy on my website whilst at sea, this can be found at www.atlanticadventurer.com. The website has the ability to send txt messages to me free of charge. I am raising money for the NSPCC and this is my just giving link http://www.justgiving.com/jamesketchell

6. You are an inspiration to many, how do your family and friends feel about your adventure across the Atlantic?

They are very proud but very nervous for me at the same time. I tell them the challenge is myself the reward is the Atlantic!

7. Your boat is called Speedo after your Speedo sponsorship. Describe your boat and the types of technologies that will be on board?

The boat is 23ft long and made out of glass fibre and plywood. It comprises of one large cabin at the back for sleeping and another cabin at the front for storage. The middle deck is where I will spend my time rowing. In terms of technology on the boat I will have radar to worn me of other boats. Water maker to turn salt water into drinking water. GPS for navigating. VHF radio for communicating with other boats. I will also have smaller electrical items such as Ipod and laptop. This will all be charged by solar panels on the boat.

8. You depart for the Atlantic Rowing Race on 5th Januray. What are you planning to do to prepare before the race begins?

Final preparations and work on the boat. Double check everything and re-pack the boat. Safety briefings and probably a few trial rows in and around the harbour. Also just chill out, eat nice food and enjoy being with my family before I go.

9. What will a typical day be like once you’re on the Atlantic?

A typical day would be around 12-14 hours of rowing per day. Most likely in a 40 mins on 20 mins off per hour shift pattern. Possibly resting in the height of the day due to the heat for a few hours. Also will be consuming upwards of 7000 calories per day to keep my energy levels up.

Please support James by following him on our facebook page (www.facebook.com/speedo)