Vivienne Barclay, a resident of North Yorkshire, is aiming to be the oldest woman to row 3,000 miles solo across the Atlantic Ocean in 2024.
She will turn 59 that year. Vivienne is going to participate in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge 2024 challenge. The challenge is an annual race that begins in early December, with up to 30 teams participating from across the world.
Vivienne is excited to race and is hoping to enter the Guinness World Records for being the oldest woman to cross the Atlantic Ocean solo. She said, “I will be the 27th woman to cross the Atlantic Ocean all by myself.”
She is currently raising campaign funds and is looking for sponsors to be able to train and participate. She will use the money towards mandatory courses such as essential skills, Astro navigation and how to use shortwave etc.
She was inspired by four ordinary mums from Yorkshire who entered the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge in 2016 and the record books by rowing 3000 miles across the ocean from The Canaries to Antigua.
She said, “I will take an exam after studying my ocean rowing course to be qualified to cross the Atlantic.”
Viv said one of the biggest challenges for all the participants will be that she be to consume over 4000 calories everyday. Each team will row in excess of 1.5 million oar strokes during the race. Viv’s GoFundMe page is linked here.
Her youngest daughter is going away to university this September. She said, ” This is something for me to focus on and gives me a sense of purpose after becoming an empty nester. My aim is to raise £10000 funds for The Menopause charity.”
Viv is also looking for corporate sponsorships to raise money for her campaign funds which is £10000. Viv runs an independent business and has been putting money away towards the campaign.
She said, “I am most worried about jumping off the boat to get rid of the barnacles that will get stuck to the bottom of the boat. What fazes me is the sea life in the Atlantic Ocean especially Marlin strikes.”
She added, “I have heard about boats that have been struck before by marlins. I don’t fancy being stabbed by a Marlin! Another worry is losing contact with people. But there will be two safety yatches who will do the journey with us.”
She said that she was completely blown away by everyone’s confidence and motivating words. Both of her daughters are equally encouraging and supportive and excited to see their mother succeed. Follow her Solo Atlantic Row Challenge on Instagram.
