Vic Handley’s World’s Toughest Row

Vic Handley’s World’s Toughest Row

We are so excited to announce that we will be the headline sponsor of Vic Handley’s upcoming challenge, The World’s Toughest Row.

Vic has set his sights on becoming the second-oldest person to complete the World’s Toughest Row – a 3,000-mile solo rowing expedition across the Atlantic Ocean and we are here to support him on his journey!

The row will take him 3,000 miles from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua in the Caribbean. Vic is set to begin his inspirational challenge on 12 December 2024.

As well as being a great personal achievement, Vic hopes to raise vital funds for four local charities close to his heart – Umbrella, Derby County Community Trust, Safe and Sound and Mind Derbyshire.

Want to find out more and follow Vic’s journey?

Follow Vic through his website www.vicsoloatlanticrow.com. or follow our socials!

Find out more about Vic Handley’s World’s Toughest Row

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your upcoming adventure?

My name is Vic Handley, from Littleover, Derby. In less than six months at the age of 70, I will become the third oldest person to complete The World’s Toughest Row – a 3,000-mile solo row across the Atlantic Ocean.
The row, which is set to begin on 12 December 2024, will take me 3,000 miles from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua in the Caribbean. To put it into context, it will take me up to 85 days to complete, depending on weather, so it’s no easy feat by any means!

Why have you decided to set yourself this challenge?

I want Derby, its people, the four amazing charities I’m raising crucial funds for, and the many wide and diverse skills and expertise this city and county has to offer, to benefit in some small way from the national and global publicity that this event generates.
Over the years I’ve developed a strong character, a resilience to overcome challenges and a determination to be the best at whatever I do, whether it be my family, work, or sport.
My moral is to never give up on achieving your dreams and ambitions, and never let age be a barrier to fulfilling them. When I retired in December 2016, there was still fire in my belly, and I wanted to set myself a new personal challenge, as well as support a number of incredible local charities and promote the city of Derby along the way.

What local charities are you fundraising for and why?

I’m raising vital funds for four local charities close to my heart – Umbrella, Derby County Community Trust, Safe and Sound and Mind Derbyshire. All four charities have a special place in my heart because they each represent a different aspect of my life.

How much are you hoping to raise for the charities?

As usual, I have set my sights high with the aim of raising £200,000, split equally between the four amazing charities.
To achieve this, I need your help. Please consider donating anything you can to my challenge in aid of four incredible, local charities. You can donate online via link.
Every person or company donation of £100 or more will automatically enter you into a draw to win an all-inclusive holiday for two to Antigua in the Caribbean to watch me arrive. 100% of all funds raised will go directly to the four charities, the holiday cost will be covered elsewhere. So, please support me and help me reach my fundraising goal to be in with the chance on winning the once in a lifetime holiday.

What will Derbion’s title sponsorship help you achieve?

I am incredibly grateful to have such an iconic brand as Derbion on board. The centre’s generous support as lead partner of my 3,000-mile ocean challenge not only provides essential resources, but also inspires me to push through the many challenges I will face during my epic journey.

Why have you decided toHow is training going? And how have you been preparing physically and mentally for The World’s Toughest Row? set yourself this challenge?

All of my physical training on land and sea is going really well. But I won’t lie, it’s hard, really hard. I’m currently training twice a day for a total of four hours, which will only increase in the lead up to the challenge.
I have not long returned from my second ‘at sea’ training session, rowing mostly around the Isle of Wight and practicing various disciplines and techniques, including man overboard. This means I must go overboard, do a complete lap of my boat, and climb back on board. It’s not as easy as it sounds as exhaustion can easily kick in. I’ve achieved it first time each time we have practised it, which my trainer says people half my age sometimes struggle to do it!
Mentally, being away from my family and friends is something that I must deal with along with the isolation, sleep deprivation, salt sores, exhaustion and much more. I know the mental aspects will be my biggest issue and my biggest challenge.

How do you plan to stay motivated and focused during tough moments as part of the challenge?

This journey is not just about crossing an ocean, it’s about proving that with the right support and determination, we can overcome any obstacle in life. This is going to be the biggest challenge of my life – and I want to do it for my city, while raising crucial funds for four incredible local charities.
The above, along with doing it for my family and friends, will keep me focused. I hope to make my loved ones, the four charities and the city of Derby, incredibly proud – that will be my main focus and is what I’ll be reminding myself during the tough moments.

What have you learnt about yourself during the preparation phase?

That age is just a number and that I’m physically, and mentally, stronger than I ever thought.
If I use the golfing analogy, I am on the 16th hole of life, when my round is over and I look back on my 18 holes, I want to have no regrets, I want to have shown everyone that age is not a barrier to realising your dreams and ambitions.

What are your plans once you complete the 3,000-mile row?

I’ll definitely be spending some much-needed quality time with my family, friends and loved ones, as well as making sure I have plenty of time to relax and recuperate, of course!
I’ll also be visiting each of the four local charities post-challenge to present them with the generated funds from kind supporters. I’m hoping that I’ll get a chance to thank and celebrate with the city of Derby in some way too.

How can people follow your journey and support you?

You can find out more about my story and upcoming challenge via my website, where there is also a fundraising page where you can donate anything you can give.
I’ll also be sharing updates and content throughout the challenge on my social media platforms where possible, which are below for anybody that would like to give me a follow and keep up to date with my movements and progress.
Instagram: @vics_atlantic_row_2024
Facebook: Vic’s Solo Atlantic Row 2024
TikTok: @ vicssoloatlanticrow2024
YouTube: @vicssoloatlanticrow2024
As my lead partner, Derbion will also gain exclusive content from me during my challenge which will be shared in-centre and on social where possible, so be sure to keep an eye out on their channels and during your visits to the centre later this year.
‘Track Vic’ a live tracker that will follow my journey across the Atlantic ocean will also be hosted on Derbion’s website – more information will be shared over the coming months, so stay tuned!