Press Releases

Fire & Water: the incredible journey now on display at the Waterfront

The incredible story of two fire fighters who rowed 75 days 20 hours and 17 minutes across the mid Atlantic Ocean is now being told at the National Waterfront Museum.

In January, 40 year old Mike Arnold and 39 year old Simon Evans attempted one of the world’s toughest races - to row unaided, as a team of two, 3000 miles across the mid Atlantic Ocean (the equivalent of travelling from Swansea to London and back ten times).

Starting from La Gomera in the Canary Islands and finishing in Antigua in the West Indies, the duo, on board their boat Pendovey Swift, successfully completed the Woodvale Atlantic Rowing Race at 11.13am on Sunday 21 March in 75 days, 20 hours and 17 minutes claiming eighth place in the pairs competition and eleventh place overall. The fastest boat, rowed by Charlie Pitcher, took 52 days. The last to finish was Sean McGowan, who was at sea for 118 days.

Tales from their adventure including the actual row, food, drinking and training and what they saw along the way are now on display at the National Waterfront Museum with the boat - Pendovey Swift - as its centerpiece. Measuring 7.3 meters (24 feet) long and 2.4 meters wide (8 feet), Pendovey Swift weighs in at 500 kilograms (1,100 pounds) unloaded and 1,200 kilograms (2,640 pounds) loaded. Solar panels provide electricity for a water filter, lights and communication devices and there is a small cabin at the stern (back) for shelter and a storage compartment at the bow (front) for food and other essentials.

The display delves into the impact of the changing weather conditions. On their best days, Mike and Simon rowed nearly 70 nautical miles and on their worst, the weather blew them backwards by five. It also explores how they managed to successfully navigate their way across the ocean, keep in touch with friends and family, and the amazing wildlife they encountered including dolphins, sharks and whales.

During their two-month stint at sea, Mike and Simon managed to capture some spectacular moments on film which will be shown as part of the exhibition. The film highlights the highs and lows of the journey giving visitors a real insight into the challenge they conquered.

Simon said: "We knew this was going to tough, but no matter how hard we trained prior to the event, nothing replicated the pain and suffering we experienced during the row. However, while we suffered some really difficult times this was all out weighed by the amazing sights and experiences we had."

Mike added: "To put this into perspective, more people have climbed Mount Everest than have successfully rowed across the Atlantic Ocean. It was a fantastic experience and one of those once in a lifetime opportunities".

Exhibition Officer, Andrew Deathe has been following Mike and Simon since the very beginning, he said: “It’ll be a fantastic opportunity for visitors to find out exactly how they did it. It was an incredible challenge to take on – the ultimate test of strength and endurance – and we’re delighted to celebrate the end result here at the Museum.”

Mike, a watch manager based at Sketty, and Simon, a crew manager in Morriston, undertook the challenge to raise cash for The Fire Fighters Charity, which provides services to serving, retired and injured fire service workers.

Fire & Water: The Atlantic Rowing Challenge will be on display in the Museum’s main hall from Saturday 17 July to Sunday 7 November. Accompanying the exhibition, information will be available about The Fire Fighters Charity plus fire safety in the home.

ENDS

For more information about the exhibition or to set up a photo opportunity, please contact Marie Szymonski on 01792 638970.

For more details about Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service visit www.mawwfire.gov.uk/ or contact Ceri Jackson, Media & Communications Manager on 01267 226866.

For more information about Woodvale Ocean Rowing visit www.woodvale-challenge.com

Visit http://www.firefighterscharity.org.uk for information about The Fire Fighters Charity.

Admission to Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales sites is free thanks to the support of the Welsh Assembly Government.

Amgueddfa Cymru operates seven national museums across Wales.

• National Museum Cardiff

• St Fagans: National History Museum

• National Roman Legion Museum, Caerleon

• Big Pit: National Coal Museum

• National Wool Museum, Dre-fach

• National Slate Museum, Llanberis

• National Waterfront Museum, Swansea