BY NUALA MCALOON
Twenty-six-year-old, Rachel Patterson from Ballinamallard is about to embrace the biggest challenge of her life as she prepares to become the first Irish female to row across the Atlantic Ocean.
The intrepid Belfast native has relocated to Fermanagh where her rowing vessel, 'Jason Clonelly' is to be based prior to her 2009 Atlantic Rowing Race. This way, she can 'put every ounce' of commitment, time and energy into the project at hand.
Organised by the Devon based Woodland Challenge team, this is no ordinary race. In fact, it is a 3,000 mile extreme sporting adventure which will see her travel from the Canary Islands to Antigua, a radical venture, the equivalent to climbing Mount Everest.
But, there is no fear or sense of trepidation for the young lady who prefers to set her sights on what she describes as the 'ultimate life changing experience', a partnership between one woman and her 24' by 6' rowing boat.
"Since the age of 12', she explained, " I have taken part in a variety of sports and am able to increase fitness levels due to my experience and awareness of athlete performance, and also having the commitment, passion and enthusiasm for rowing which lies deep in my soul. All my medals hang over a rowing picture in my room. They remind me of those wonderful team wins and my undoubted competitive spirit."
"There are a few people who have made a positive influence to rowing," she says. "From 1999-2002, I received personal training from Glenn Wilkinson. He taught me how to tolerate the pain barrier and gain more discipline. He was quite brutal, but if you want to improve there is no point hiding away. Then, from 2000-2005 the gym instructors at David Lloyd's created high tech programmes which were both physically and mentally challenging. Also, my family are just amazing, they have kept me going when there seemed like no future."
This latest challenge, Rachel admits, is a fresh new beginning and one that she has committed to for life. "It's one that will physically and mentally push me beyond what I have ever experienced before. Only seven solo female ocean rowers have completed the journey unsupported, two of whom are from Great Britain and, so far, no one from the island of Ireland."
The race starts in December 2009 at the end of the hurricane season and the start of the Trade Winds. All boats are specifically designed to be unsinkable, unbreakable and self-righting when they roll upside down.
"Crews", Rachel added, " must be competent and show local Spanish authorities their Royal Yachting Association Certificates in Sea Survival, Yacht Master, Short Range Radio and First Aid.
"All crew boats will have a tracking system on board so I will be able to see how many miles I'm completing each day, and a 24 hour, office-based rescue co-ordination as well as professional on- water safety coverage."
Rachel started paying for her solo boat in July, but she needs support and sponsorship to pay for the basics such as freight expenses, insurance, trailer and storage. And the daredevil she is, she is calling on the people of Fermanagh to get involved and set her a variety of challenges to help her raise the £45,000 she requires to complete the race.
"The boat is named after an inspiring person and special place in Fermanagh. 'Jason Clonelly' is 24' by 6' and will be light blue. I will be self sufficient, taking food provisions for three months and will have a small gas stove on board to cook meals. There will be the use of an electric water maker and a computer system will be on-board to send and receive emails and photographs."
Rachel has chosen three charities to spur her on the in the worst conditions. They include the Northern Ireland Mother and Baby Appeal, the Northern Ireland Chest, Heart and Stroke, and Marie Curie Cancer Care Northern Ireland.
"I have every intention in completing more than one ocean crossing. This is a partnership for life and a commitment to create a long term positive image for Northern Ireland", she insisted.
