Derby grandad to row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean

A grandfather is set to take on the "world's toughest row" in a solo trip across the Atlantic Ocean.

Vic Handley will be 70 by the time he sets off from La Gomera in the Canary Islands, finishing in Antigua in the Caribbean - a journey of 3,000 miles.

The retired engineering director, from Derby, is now undertaking some tough training for his December 2024 voyage.

He told the BBC: "I can't leave anything to chance, this is the biggest challenge I have ever faced."

He has a special message written on the boat which is a nod to his wife Val.

He said: "My family mean everything to me... the last words I'll say to my wife is 'see you on the other side', whichever way it goes.

"This is a challenge. I will not fail, I'll be well prepared."

Mr Handley said he would be rowing for two hours, with two hours off, and would be consuming about 5,000 calories a day. He will be gathering drinking water from the sea using a desalination device to remove the salt.

When he is not rowing, he will spend the time either eating, sleeping or carrying out maintenance on the boat.

He will be well equipped as the vessel will include a life raft, flares and extra food should he get into any trouble.

Mr Handley, from Littleover, will be away from his family for up to four months and said the trip had been an ambition of his for many years.

But he added the enormity of the trip and raising money for charity had not yet sunk in.

"I can't leave anything to chance, this is the biggest challenge I have ever faced in my life," he said. "It is a race in the sense of the word, but I won't be racing."

The first 24 hours of the journey may be some of the toughest Mr Handley faces. He said this year's race had to be delayed due to rough seas around the Spanish island.

The grandfather of four is hoping to raise £200,000 in aid of the Enthusiasm Trust, Derby County Community Trust, Derbyshire Mind and Umbrella.

"I want to give something back," he said.

"I had a difficult childhood and I've had to show resilience and work hard, but life's been good to me, so I want to raise money for the local charities."

Mr Handley says he will be flying the flag for his home city when he makes the attempt. That is due in part to his boat, aptly named "The City of Derby".

He will be hoping for support from the city to power him through the choppy waters.

Follow BBC East Midlands on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].