Lanzarote to Antigua: RAF team The Atlantic Rocks row for charity

20 February 2024

After an intense couple of years planning, a team of Royal Air Force personnel are currently in a daunting race across the Atlantic Ocean to raise vital funds for organisations including SSAFA. The Atlantic Rocks are taking part in the C-MAP Atlantic Dash which kicked off in January, a 3200-mile pursuit from Rubicon Marina, Lanzarote to Jolly Harbour, Antigua.

The group was founded by Corporal Gary “Binnsy” Binns in 2020. The team was confirmed in May 2023: Sergeant Phil “Gus” Angus, Sergeant Dan Martin, Corporal Justin “Wally” Wallace, and Binns, all RAF Regiment Gunners. The team are also receiving assistance from Resilience Adviser Sergeant Tom Hanlon and two Project Officers, Flight Lieutenant Aimee Martin and Flying Officer Fran Tilley.

The boat ‘Sentinel’ is a 29ft purpose-built ocean rowing boat (Rossiter 2) with two sleeping compartments. The team plan on running a rotation of three hours on, three hours off for the entirety of the challenge. They are now well underway with their amazing endeavour, with the aim of raising vital funds for five charities close to their hearts: SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, Tough Enough to Care, Mental Health Research UK, The Veterans Charity, and The Centurion Fund.

They are seeking donations to help motivate them throughout the challenge. A donation of £25 or more will secure the donor’s name being displayed on the side of the boat. More information can be viewed on their dedicated website here.

The Atlantic Rocks have no doubt this challenge is going to be one of the most physically and mentally demanding events they will ever participate in. The thought of helping even just a handful of people makes all the preparation and training worthwhile.