Making a difference, Orobal and Freebird

Tenerife may be an island, but people certainly aren’t and when a chance comes to link up for a common goal, it’s got to be worth the challenge. That’s what Freebird thought when they heard about an Atlantic rowing challenge to raise money for Orobal (www.orobal.org ) a Los Cristianos based charity to help physically and mentally handicapped children.

Freebird knew of Peter Raab from Total Marine (www.totalmarine.eu.com ) as they are based just below the Freebird offices in Puerto Colon. When they discovered he and a partner, Tim Wilks were to row 3,000 miles to Antigua, West Indies, they were inspired and pledged their support. The boat will set off from Puerto Colon on December 8 but there is a lot of work to do before then. Angela McClory, sales and marketing manager of Freebird explains. “It’s such a good cause and Peter and Tim are putting so much time and effort in, we didn’t hesitate in adding our backing.”

As the departure date looms, Freebird will be organising a series of fundraising events and Angela would like to hear from anyone who feels they would like to join in the fun and gains. You can email angela@freebirdsailing.com or go through either website (www.freebirdsailing.com) or (www.freebirdjeeptours.com), the sites will also carry the latest news on the rowing challenge.

Ocean rowing is not new to Tenerife, many previous crossings have set out from our shores and from the other Canary Islands. It all started in 1966 when Chay Blyth and John Ridgeway were first to row the Atlantic, taking 92 days to go from Cape Cod to the Arran Islands in a 20 foot boat. Peter and Tim are using an experienced boat, Martha Dos, it made the crossing in 2001, crewed by two Spanish rowers who took 61 days. The current duo have no ambitions to set any records, a smooth safe completed crossing is their target. The boat is just 7.1 metres long and 1.9 metres wide. There is a small cabin at one end for one person to sleep in, they will row in shifts, both together and then one sleeping as the other rows and change over. The boat also has to house their food and water supplies, which are very basic, fish caught on route will vary the diet, but there will be no Christmas dinner for them this year.

Peter is from Germany but has lived in Tenerife for 10 years and has vast experience on the water. Tim is from the north east of England and is an all round sportsman and a well travelled adventurer.
So when you are out soaking up the sun and enjoying the relaxation of a Freebird boat excursion, think of Peter and Tim and the mammoth task they have ahead of them