Colchester couple to row across the Atlantic Ocean

Nina and Simon Couchman, from Colchester, will set-off on an adventurous 3,000-mile expedition today as they compete in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge.

Departing from La Gomera, in the Canary Islands, the duo will row unaided in their ocean boat Kraken all the way to Antigua, encountering all weathers along the way.

To qualify for the extreme race, Nina and Simon had to raise £110,000 so they could buy their vessel and a haul of equipment – something they didn’t believe possible.

They have also already managed to generate more than £7,000 for Samaritans, a charity close to their hearts and which provides emotional support.

But having now got themselves to the start line, Nina and Simon, who are racing under team name Mr and Mrseas, are soon going to need a way home.

“Sponsorship has been incredibly difficult [but] we have now found ourselves able to get to the start and compete, raising a great sum of money for charity,” said Nina.

“However, we have no accommodation at the finish, no flights home and cannot afford to pay for the boat to be shipped home.”

“If there is anyone out there able to help please give what you can, it really does add up.”

Considered the world’s toughest row, Nina and Simon’s Atlantic challenge will see them compete against 29 other teams.

Their boat will be moving for 24 hours a day, with each of them rowing for two hours at a time, and to beat the current record they will need to finish in under 53 days.

Speaking previously Nina said: “The challenge has always been on my bucket list – it is the ultimate rowing race.

"We have done all the right courses, all the survival and navigation training. I'm not a particular lover of deep water, but physically and mentally we are prepared.

"I wouldn't want to do the challenge with anybody else."

To sponsor Nina and Simon visit gofund.me/616acbf8 or to donate to their charity fundraising visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/mrandmrseas2022.