Pacific 2012

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Aberdeen Asset Management is supporting adventurer and double ocean-rowing record holder Charlie Martell’s latest challenge; an attempt to set a new record for the fastest solo crossing of the Pacific Ocean. Aberdeen has contributed towards vital communications equipment and weather reporting, enabling Charlie to complete the feat in the safest possible way.

Charlie will begin his row on 5th May in Choshi, Japan, his ultimate objective being to reach San Francisco and complete the crossing by rowing beneath the span of the Golden Gate Bridge in September.

Only two solo rowers have ever completed the difficult west-to-east crossing; both failed to do it completely unsupported. A successful crossing by Charlie will see the 41-year-old become the first Briton to make the crossing alone, as well as the first fully unsupported crossing land-to-land.

“Ocean rowing holds an indescribable draw for me,” says Charlie. “I spent nearly 85 days at sea rowing more than 3,300 miles from New York to the UK to complete the Atlantic crossing in 2006 and the first thing I said to my team manager when I got off the boat in Cornwall was, ‘The Pacific is next!’

“I’ve been making plans for it ever since. Last year, we commissioned a purpose-built boat from Devon-based Global Boatworks, and the challenge was on.

“The Pacific is going to be a 5,000 mile trip that could take me more than six months to complete, but to take the world record I’m going to have to do it in just four months.”

In 2006, Charlie’s successful crossing of the Atlantic Ocean as part of a four-man team secured him and his crew two Guinness World records. In the process, they also raised over £250,000 for charity. During his Pacific attempt, Charlie will be supporting two further good causes; Toe in the Water, which helps injured servicemen and women move beyond their disabilities through competitive ocean sailing, and Give Them a Sporting Chance, a charity which gives carers and those with disabilities the opportunity to make their sporting or recreational dreams come true.

“As a former Royal Engineer Commando, the work that ‘Toe’ does is incredibly close to my heart,” explains Charlie. “During the race season, I spend my time crewing alongside the men and women whom it benefits and it’s astonishing to see how it helps them to find life fulfilling again.

“I’ve experienced and enjoyed many things during my lifetime, which is why I’m also proud to support Give Them a Sporting Chance. I’d like others to be able to do the same; it’s a charity that helps dreams come true.”

Commenting on the announcement, Martin Gilbert, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Asset Management said “We are delighted to support Charlie’s Pacific 2012 challenge and we are proud to be involved with what could be an incredible individual world record achievement.

“At Aberdeen we sponsor a number of sportsmen and sporting events and are excited to be involved with this feat of physical and mental endurance.”

For more information on the rowing challenge, please visit www.pacific2012.com.