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Forty-year-old Mike Arnold from Mumbles and 38-year-old Simon Evans from Brynmill are currently in the throes of preparing to take the ultimate test of strength and endurance with the Woodvale Atlantic Rowing Race, and the National Waterfront Museum will be tracking them, with a special exhibition, every wave of the way.

Starting in La Gomera in the Canary Islands, the duo - the only team entered from Wales - will head to Antigua in the Caribbean covering 2,500 nautical miles in an average crossing duration of 65 days. They will set sail in a bespoke Adkin Pairs Boat measuring just 23.4ft in length and 6.3ft in width.

Both men have been following a rigorous training schedule since January. Sponsored by the LC, Swansea's leisure complex, Mike and Simon have been undertaking cardio training in its multi-purpose gym as well as numerous hours open sea rowing with Mumbles Rowing Club.

Both local fire fighters with Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Mike and Simon have been friends and colleagues for over 20 years. "It's a challenge I've always wanted to do," said Mike. "I asked Simon if he'd like to get involved and the rest is history. We've received so much support from friends, family and the local community and we're really looking forward to it," he added.

During the race, the duo will be burning up 9,000 calories per day, so keeping refuelled will be on top of their list. Simon said: "We'll be taking lots of boil in the bag type food as well as chocolate, dried fruit and energy bars to keep us going."

Andrew Deathe, Gallery Author, is delighted to be involved in coordinating the exhibition, which will launch on Saturday 28 November, he said: "We'll be tracking their whereabouts throughout the race and, in July next year, we will be showcasing the actual boat they used in the Museum's main hall for everyone to see."

To help them on their way with the race, the duo are appealing for help with sponsorship. They are raising money for The Fire Fighters Charity, a charity that provides a range of services to enhance quality of life for serving and retired fire service personnel and their families.

Simon said: "It's going to be tough, there's no doubt about that, but it's a once in a lifetime opportunity and we're both ready for the challenge."

Notes 

The Atlantic Rowing Race will start on Sunday 6 December 2009 from La Gomera, Canary Islands. The average crossing duration is 65 days.

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

For more information about Mike and Simon's journey so far visit www.atlanticelement.co.uk for more details.

For more information about The Fire Fighters Charity, visit http://www.firefighterscharity.org.uk/

Every year, thousands of fire fighters are injured while protecting the public. Every 30 seconds in the UK, fire fighters are called to an incident, putting their lives on the line, and often sustaining physical injuries while carrying out their duties. The Fire Fighters Charity is here for fire fighters during their times of need, and assists over 13,500 individuals every year, by providing pioneering treatment and support services.