Exactly three months ago, Webgains announced the partnership with Nuts Over the Atlantic (NOTA), a team of four enthusiastic athletes with one ambition – to row across an ocean. Today, we are bringing you the last update about this adventure.
Start date: 17th Dec 2017
A string of delays ahead of the race resulted in our team having to retire from the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, although the race itself faced a two-day delay, due to bad weather conditions. However, after two years of preparations, Nuts were ready to embark on their journey. It now became a personal challenge.
You can read the updates, containing exclusive material on our blog:
Finish date: 6th February 2018
After 50 days, 20 hours and 31 minutes team Nuts crossed the finish line and completed the race – a 3000-mile row between La Gomera and Antigua. We asked them how it felt to step off the Nutilus and feel the solid ground under their feet. Here’s what they had to say:
Mark
“The moment we saw Antigua for the first time will stick with me for the rest of my life. After 50 days at sea, 48 of which we saw nothing else but our boat, seeing the glow of lights on the horizon at 2 am in the morning was incredible. However, nothing can compare to stepping off onto solid ground and hugging my parents and girlfriend for the first time. They have been amazing throughout the last two years and to see them so proud of me took my breath away. We have only been on dry land for six days, so I am still finding it difficult to reflect on the whole experience yet fully. However, the messages we have received across our social media channels, and from people we have met on the Island, are better than I ever would have expected. We have been contacted by individuals, groups and whole schools, from six different countries, telling us we have inspired them to try something new this year. This was one of our goals from the very beginning and words cannot describe how fantastic I feel reading each and every one of these messages! Thank you!”
Jon
“We suffered so many setbacks before even starting the row it felt as though we would never reach Antigua. The moment I saw my whole family in Nelson’s Dockyard I knew we had done it. Never again will I take for granted being able to hug the people I care about.”
Dan and Steve
“We were only expecting to see our girlfriends and dad in Antigua. The best surprise we have ever had was seeing our mum standing on the shoreline too! Our family is incredibly close and so being able to hug both of our parents in Antigua was simply amazing. During the crossing we were fortunate enough to have Jon and Mark on board; these two were able to fix any problem on the boat and managed to resurrect our autohelm three times! While the race start delay affected team morale, this was quickly forgotten the moment we realised we would have to stick together to complete the challenge. Looking back now, it is easy to say that the high points and our ultimately successful crossing of the Atlantic, outweigh all of the difficulties and the low moments!”
The campaign continues
It is not an exaggeration to say that embarking on this challenge has changed the lives of Mark, Jon, Steve and Dan. Although the journey is over, the adventure continues as Team NOTA push on to raise £100,000 for the Movember Foundation. If you would like to show your support, you can still donate to the cause here.
We are looking forward to welcoming the Nuts back in the UK and inviting them to one of our Academy Wednesdays. If you would like to hear them speak about their experiences and survival techniques, watch this space, as well as our social media channels to find out more soon.
Find Webgains on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook and the Nuts on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.