Man prepares for world record Atlantic row attempt

A civil servant is aiming to become the first man to row solo, unsupported and non-stop from mainland Africa to mainland North America.

Kyle Meredith, 33, is taking on the 4,000-mile (6,437 km) Atlantic crossing challenge to raise funds and awareness for the British Skin Foundation.

Mr Meredith, who lives in Salisbury, plans to leave the UK in early November to begin his journey from Morocco to Miami.

The row is expected to take around four months, with Mr Meredith hoping to reach Miami Beach by March 2025.

"This row is about pushing my limits and supporting a cause close to my heart," Mr Meredith said.

He carries the MC1R gene, which increases his risk of developing skin cancer, making the mission especially personal.

Mr Meredith, who was born in Yorkshire, is dedicating the challenge to his partner's grandfather who passed away from stage 4 melanoma during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020.

"Seeing how skin cancer impacted him and those around him, especially during lockdown restrictions, made me realize how indiscriminate the disease is," he said.

Skin cancer affects thousands each year, with around 17,500 new melanoma cases diagnosed annually in the UK according to Cancer Research UK.

Mr Meredith’s journey will be fraught with physical and mental challenges, including sleep deprivation, isolation, and dangerous marine life encounters.

He will also be exposed to extreme elements, particularly the sun and unpredictable weather.

"The average temperature on the route is between 25-35 degrees Celsius daily," he said.

To complete the row, Meredith plans to spend 12 to 15 hours a day rowing, much of it during daylight hours.

While Hurricane Milton in Florida has raised concerns, he has taken precautions to ensure his safety.

"Ocean rowing is typically done outside hurricane season, but weather patterns are less predictable now. We've studied historic patterns to time the trip, but all I can do is prepare the best I can," he said.

His boat is purpose-built, equipped with life rafts, emergency beacons, and satellite phones for crisis management.

Despite the hardships ahead, he remains optimistic and said: "I'll miss my dogs the most - though I should probably say my better half!

"Being away for Christmas will be tough, but I'll reflect, listen to carols, and keep rowing."

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