Mermaid Atlantic Team Prepare for “World’s Toughest Row” with ASC Direct Sponsorship

Last month, the Mermaid Atlantic team gathered with their supporters to launch their Rannoch 45 rowing boat as they prepare for the “world’s toughest row” - the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge. This incredibly laborious mission will see Chris Mannion, owner of iSurf; Paul Berry, Ventnor longshoreman and firefighter, and Xavier Baker, co-founder of the Isle of Wight Distillery, row 3000 miles from the Canary Islands to the Caribbean. The challenge is in aid of ocean preservation and the team will raise funds for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Surfers Against Sewage and The Seahorse Trust.

The gathering saw the team commit a formal naming ceremony for the boat - “Mermaid” - including an ode to Poseidon in accordance with folklore amongst seafarers, while many enjoyed a swig of Mermaid Gin to celebrate and keep warm!

Ahead of the race, which beings this December in La Gomera, the team have been working tirelessly to prepare with daily training, safety courses and a strict exercise regime, all for the relentless pursuit of ocean preservation.

ASC Direct Commit to the Cause

When ASC Direct’s client Xavier Baker of Isle of Wight Distillery talked of the race and the reason behind it, it was clear ASC needed to get involved. With a mutual passion for conservation and the environment, it was an inevitable sponsorship.

Speaking on behalf of the crew, Xavier Baker said: ‘We’re hugely grateful to all our sponsors who have donated kit and funds to get us to this point. Now the boat is looking brilliant, we’re excited to be on the water and ready to crack on with training!’.

The ASC Direct name will adorn one of the oars the team uses on this gruelling adventure to mark our strong values on environmental issues. Our commitment to sustainability doesn’t stop there either, as ASC continue to partner with One Tree Planted to aid in reforestation while also ensuring all our packaging products are as eco-friendly as possible.

Good luck to the Mermaid Atlantic team with their preparations - we’re incredibly proud to be a sponsor.