GAC, a global provider of integrated shipping, logistics and marine services, is supporting the Dubai-based syndicate Row4Ocean’s attempt to complete an endurance-testing journey from Dakar in Senegal to Paramaribo in Suriname, whilst spreading an important marine preservation message.

Row4Ocean is the initiative of Patrick Bol, syndicate owner and skipper rower of the high-tech trimaran ‘Year of Zayed’, in collaboration with global trade enabler DP World, said a statement.

Bol will lead a team consisting of Andrew Ruinoff, Lewis Knollman and Matt Wilds as they row 2300 Nautical Miles across the Atlantic.

Through the challenge and along the way, they will raise awareness about ocean pollution by collecting daily water samples and sending them for analysis back in Dubai, it said.

They will also quietly attempt to break four world records: the first multihull to row across the Trade Winds 2 route continent to continent; the first to cross the Atlantic under 27 days; the fastest Atlantic crossing with an average speed over 3.7 knots; and most consecutive days rowed over 100 nautical miles a day, it added.

When asked about some of the dangers they might face during the crossing, Bol noted the unknown weather, perils of the sea, collisions with floating logs, objects and fishing nets and also whale and shark encounters and locust swarms near the African coast.

GAC is providing freight services for the boat’s journey from Dubai, where it was built, to the starting point at Dakar.

After the Year of Zayed's trans-Atlantic journey, GAC will again be at hand to provide logistics services for the journey back to Dubai.

Stuart Bowie, GAC Group vice president – commercial, said: “The oceans and seas are GAC’s lifeblood, so we are always looking for ways to promote the preservation of the marine environment.”

“That’s why we are very keen to support Row4Ocean who aim both to do well and do good. We wish Patrick and his team all the best in their voyage,” he added.

The ‘Year of Zayed’ left Jebel Ali Port earlier this month and is due to arrive at Dakar on December 4. After customs clearance, unloading and trimaran assembly works, the rowing team will set off to cross the Atlantic on 14 December, due to arrive in Paramaribo on January 7, after rowing an average of 14 hours a day, it stated. – TradeArabia News Service