9th November 2011

LYME REGIS: Brave rowers launch Atlantic Challenge boat

By Francesca Evans

THE Corinthians rowing team, from Lyme Regis, officially launched their Atlantic Challenge boat “Spirit of Corinth” into the harbour on Sunday.

The boat will now be taken to La Gomera in the Canary Islands, where team members Brian Fletcher, Chris Walters, Elliot Dale and Tony Short will start the gruelling, 3,000-mile Atlantic Challenge rowing race to Bermuda on Sunday, December 4th.

A big crowd of the team’s supporters gathered on the Slipway on Sunday afternoon, where Mr Fletcher described their upcoming challenge as “the stuff of dreams”.

He thanked their supporters and sponsors, Lyme Regis Gig Club, of which the team are members, and their friends and family.

Mr Fletcher also pointed out that The Corinthians would be the oldest team ever to enter the Atlantic Challenge, and would be rowing against 17 other boats for what they hope to be about 50 days.

“Spirit of Corinth” was then blessed by the Reverend Keith Vivian and officially named by harbourmaster Graeme Forshaw, who toasted it with a bottle of champagne. A member of Lyme Regis Gig Club entertained the crowd with a sea shanty she wrote especially for the team.

The boat was then launched into the harbour and moored next to the Slipway for spectators to take a closer look. For more information on the team or to track their progress after the race has started, visit www.spiritofcorinth.co.uk

PICTURE 1: TOAST TO SUCCESS - Harbourmaster Graeme Forshaw toasts the boat with champagne

PICTURE 2: BLESSING - The Reverend Keith Vivian

PICTURE 3: BRIAN Fletcher thanks supporters alongside his team members and administrator Andrew Pocock