The 24-hour rowing mission will see two teams of six-men each in ocean-going rowing boats attempting a 140km journey out at sea and along shipping lanes to complete a non-stop circumnavigation of Singapore island.
“It is a serious challenge,” said Iain Anderson from RPC and one of the rowers. “We have a training squad of over 40 rowers and 20 crew in support. Each rower will have to do six two-hour rowing shifts as the boats make their way round the island.”
Lee Wai Pong, chairman of the Mission of Seafarers Singapore branch, commented: “As ambassador of Mission Rasi, it is my honour to present this challenge to the people of Singapore in manifold ways as a clear demonstration of how people within our community can unite for a common cause and put their time and imagination to good use.”
The Republic of Singapore Yacht Club (RSYC) is one of the seed sponsors for the event.
With plans of re-introducing rowing as a healthy entry-level sport among youths, RSYC has seized this opportunity to support Mission Rasi by providing the team with storage and training facilities at the clubhouse, where the team has been preparing rigorously every Saturday afternoon since November 2014.
The original idea for undertaking this challenge was born from the friendship between Ian Teare from (Norton Rose Fulbright, Singapore), Iain Anderson (RPC, Singapore) and Lewis Hart (Willis, Singapore). The idea quickly captured the imagination of many others from within the maritime and insurance community in Singapore and London.
Teare said: “We are all involved in the marine and insurance industries and many of us see first hand, in our professional roles, the hardships and isolation that seafarers endure in their day-to-day lives.
“There is a strong feeling among the members of Mission Rasi, therefore, that we should do our bit to support the seafaring community,” he added.
You can find out more about Mission Rasi on their Facebook page.
Two of the Mission Rasi rowers, Iain Anderson, partner at RPC, and Vanessa Rochester, lawyer at Norten Rose Fulbright
Lee Waipong (left), chairman of Mission of Seafarers Singapore branch, pictured with Nicky Wynne, director of development at Mission to Seafarers
One of the rowing boats being pushed back onshore for storage
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