The Commando Joe Ocean Fours Atlantic Rowing team passed a significant milestone in January 2005 when they took delivery of the 29ft boat that they will use to row across the North Atlantic in June 2006, raising money to further the work of the Meningitis Trust. Thanks to generous support from all those who have committed to sponsor the team so far, Commando Joe becomes the first team from the 2006 field of entries to be in possession of their craft at this early stage. There are still 17 months to go before the start of the race; the team's intention to win and to break the current Atlantic rowing record will receive a substantial boost by taking delivery so early. Delighted Cirencester-based Charlie Martell, one of the teams founders, said he was delighted to see the boat 'in the flesh' at last. He said: Raising money for the Meningitis Trust in memory of a team members son was always going to be an emotional affair, but seeing the physical evidence of the last twelve months' effort was really something, despite it being in an unfinished condition - it's still to be painted and we've a lot of equipment yet to fit before the formal launch next month.
Effectively, it marks the start of the really hard work - training the team members into peak condition and getting to know how the boat performs in the water, in as many different conditions as we can find - the Atlantic's going to throw all sorts at us after we leave the safety of New York Harbour! We're determined to win, but there's a lot of work still to do. From now on, we move up a gear.  Sponsorship The team is still seeking further commercial sponsorship to cover the cost of equipment needed for this and their other two 'extreme' challenges - a 320-mile footrace to the North Pole in April 2005 and, in 2007, a 151-mile supermarathon across the Sahara Desert. See also: Commando Joe - what's it all about?
See also: An interview with Charlie Martell
See also: An interview with Adrian Bell 
If you would like to comment on this story get in touch at [email protected]or have your say on our messageboard | 
Preparations for the 2006 Atlantic Rowing Challenge have been boosted with the Commando Joe team taking delivery of a specially designed 29ft rowing boat...
