At an epic launch event at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Lincoln, RAF serviceman Kip Wells and teammate Chris Ambler unveiled the boat that will take them on the 3000-mile unsupported rowing race next year, named Momento Mori.
This race certainly isn’t for the faint hearted. With waves regularly exceeding 40ft, the ocean is uncompromising and unapologetic. Rowers will depart La Gomera and row the 3000 miles to Antigua, facing sleep deprivation, hallucinations and isolation along the way. Physically, they will complete over 1.5 million oar stokes, which sees competitors losing an average of 15kg despite consuming over 6,000 calories per day! The Atlantic will present storms, shark infested waters, busy international shipping lanes, all of which will become part of the rowers daily business.
So why are Kip and Chris doing this?
To inspire and raise funds for the Jon Egging Trust (JET). This charity works in support of young people, with an ethos that every young person, no matter their starting point, should leave school armed with the confidence, resilience and self-belief to succeed. Many of their students face significant life challenges, or lack positive role models, so the charity works hard to offer the right support to help them reach their full potential.
At the boat launch, we heard from JET graduate, Izzy, who expressed her gratitude for the charity’s support in her personal growth, leading her to attend Space Camp in the USA, something that she strongly feels wouldn’t be possible without JET.
Kip, Chris and Momento Mori are deep into training, with their row due to commence in December 2025. Find out more and support the Force Horizon team here: https://www.forcehorizon.com/
