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The team during training
After an incredible 75 days at sea, four intrepid soldiers from the newly formed Yorkshire Regiment finally came ashore at Falmouth after racing across the Atlantic in the Shepherd Ocean Fours Rowing Race 2006.
The four soldiers, Captain Paul Tetlow, Captain Mick Cataldo, Lance Corporal Carl Powell and Lance Corporal Andrew Unwin, all from 3rd Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment, ‘The Dukes’ were one of four teams to set out on the race from New York on June 10th.
The Shepherd Ocean Fours Rowing Race is the world’s first ever North Atlantic Rowing race, and pits teams against each other across 2,863 nautical miles of ocean between New York and Falmouth. Competing on equal terms in purposely designed and built 29ft long ocean rowing boats known as the Woodvale Fours Class, the teams have been racing against each other to be the first to cross the finish line, in the fastest possible time.
The route of the four-man race
The Team, who completed the race to raise funds for the ABF, docked at St Dennis marina in Falmouth at 10.30am on Saturday 26 August but actually crossed the official race finish line the night before putting them in second place, exactly one week behind the winning team from the United States. The team all sporting huge beards, were welcomed home at the marina by family and friends including Major General Sir Evelyn Webb-Carter, Controller of the ABF.
“We were out there quite a bit longer than we’d hoped and are absolutely elated to be back. Whilst we’re over the moon to have achieved the crossing I think we’d all agree that Terra-Firma is where we firmly belong from now on!”
An overjoyed Lieutenant Mick Cataldo
During the crossing the Team had to endure some of the worst sea conditions imaginable. Tropical depression Alberto went right over the Team in the first week of the race forcing them to shelter in the tiny cabins at the bow and stern of the boat nicknamed ‘Hell’ and ‘Purgatory’ and being crashed and thrown around endlessly by the huge waves. During the last weeks of the voyage the Team’s water purifier malfunctioned which meant that their water supply, whilst drinkable tasted of a combination of seawater and sour milk! The four also spent anxious moments being circled by a 12-foot shark.
To keep up morale during difficult periods the four ‘Dukes’ created a ‘list of happiness’ containing luxury items which they’ve been deprived of during the crossing. When spirits were low they added another little luxury and texted the list to shore via their Sat-Phone. The contents of the list awaited them when they crossed the finish line and was received with enthusiasm.
“These excellent young men have demonstrated that courage, fortitude and endurance in adverse conditions are qualities, which are being carried forward from the Duke of Wellington’s and into the Yorkshire Regiment in abundance. They have done a great deal to raise the profile of the Army Benevolent Fund and the significant amount of money they have raised through their endeavour will go to help those members of the army family who are most in need. Both the ABF and the Yorkshire Regiment are extremely proud of what they have achieved.”
Major General Sir Evelyn Webb-Carter
