The crowd cheered as Tom Rainey and Lawrence Walter walked down the ramp and onto the dock at North Cove Marina in downtown Manhattan. They started their 3,800 mile row across the North Atlantic at 10:30 ET this morning (May 3rd), course set for the United Kingdom. They are attempting to break the 119 year old record set by Norwegians in 1896 who completed the journey in 55 days and 13 hours.

Rainey is rowing in honor of his father who died from a brain tumor. He wants to raise awareness and $370,000 for the Brain Tumor Charity and the Brain Tumor Society.

His mother blessed their 23-foot custom row boat ‘Yves’ by pouring a bottle of champagne over the bow.

Sixty crews have attempted this route since, yet only twenty-three have reached the shores on the other side of the Atlantic.
You can follow their progress at www.oceanvalour.co.uk

New York Media Boat escorted the team from Battery Park to The Narrows and we wish them a safe passage and great adventure!