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THE CREW

The crew came together after a meeting between David and George at a Birmingham University training camp in the South of France. Both we looking for a new challenge and rowing was the obvious link. Neil decided after a little persuasion from George that this was an ideal addition to his CV, to add to his mountaineering exploits. Glynn listened to David’s early planning while training on the Thames and decided that he also wanted to take up the ultimate rowing challenge.

DR GEORGE SIMPSON
D.O.B: 25th March 1977
OCCUPATION: Always on the lookout for something exciting.

A conversation with David on a sunny river in Bordeaux has led me to the challenges of the Atlantic Ocean. I have been rowing for 4 years with Birmingham Rowing Club and the University of Birmingham Rowing Club and in 2003 cycled from lands End to John O’Groats to raise funds for the Anthony Nolan Trust. Taking on the Atlantic somehow seemed to be the next logical challenge.

I’ll be bringing my own special blend of impetuous enthusiasm to this trip, which will hopefully give us the energy and drive we need to be standing in a bar in Antigua on New Year's Eve, holding a cold beer in one hand and a new world record in the other.

DAVID MARTIN
D.O.B: 16th August 1955
OCCUPATION: IT Solutions Manager for ITQ.

Since seeing details of the first Ocean Reggata in 1997 it has been an ambition of mine to do the event despite never having attempted anything like it before. I started rowing over ten years ago on the tranquil waters of the River Avon in Stratford and despite progressing to the wilder waters of the Thames with Reading Rowing Club I see this as the ultimate rowing challenge.

To complete the crossing and win the event will be an ambition achieved, I then may settle down or you never know.....

NEIL RICHARD WIGHTWICK
D.O.B: 1st April 1977
OCCUPATION: Manager Glasgow Climbing Centre.

Although a novice oarsman, I am no stranger to mental and physical challenges; I have led mountaineering expeditions to many parts of the world. I have first assents in Canada, Australia and also a great many routes in Scotland. The Cordon Navaro Mountain range, in Antarctic Chile will forever be part of my family, since I named “Point Wightwick” during an expedition in 2002.

I feel I will thrive on this particular adventure, and plan to add it to the ever lengthening list of boring stories I trot out at the slightest provocation.

Check out my website for further details about past and future challenges

GLYNN COUPLAND
D.O.B: 1st November 1969
OCCUPATION: Logistics Manager.

I joined Reading Rowing Club in 2003, a novice pot and two senior wins at Henley Town & Visitors Regatta meant our squad now has to compete with the big boys. It has been David's unenviable task this season to make us row faster, learn how to nobble the opposition or grow a foot in height.

I heard from David of his intended exploit in crossing the Atlantic and immediately expressed my interest in what I see as a great challenge and unmissable experience.
I have already been boring friends and family with tails of rowing feats for over a year now; they'll be pleased to learn that that was nothing when I regale them with Atlantic rowing tales.