After a few months of searching and interviews, Sofa To Sailboat is pleased to announce that John-Kenneth (the skipper) has found a crewmate to join him on the 3000-mile unassisted Atlantic crossing in his 'dinghy with a lid'.
Joining the expedition as First Mate is Farris Collins, an ex-Team GB Gold medal Commonwealth Champion and World Bronze medal Powerlifter. Farris will take up the 'Sofa to Sailboat' ethos and is set to join the daring adventure to cross the Atlantic Ocean during Winter 2023 in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, Mind, MS-UK, and St Helena Hospice.
Farris has never sailed before, but he is no stranger to pushing himself to the limit, as well has his sporting achievements he has also completed several climbing expeditions including Mt Toubkal in Morocco and Mt Kilimanjaro . Farris is determined to take on the challenge to raise funds and awareness in aid of the four charities which Sofa To Sailboat is supporting.
Farris currently works as a Senior Process Analyst at Knight Frank where he consults in difficult problems relating to business operations and software systems development.
"I’ve never been good at taking a well trodden path. I never attended university and instead delivered beer kegs two to three days a week and studied business on my own in Bournemouth library. I am excited to take on this challenge and raise funds for these amazing charities. I know it will be tough, but I am ready to face the challenge head-on and push myself to the limit." said Farris.
The 'Sofa To Sailboat' project aims to raise £100,000 for four charities. The charities chosen are all very personal to the crewmates, who have both seen the impact of cancer, mental health, and multiple sclerosis on their families and friends.
The journey will take approximately six weeks and cover a distance of over 3,000 miles from the Canary Islands to the Caribbean. Farris and John-Kenneth will face numerous challenges, including unpredictable weather, rough seas, and isolation on their tiny boat, which has been specially modified for the expedition.
About the Charities:
Macmillan Cancer Support provides practical, medical, and financial support to people affected by cancer.
Mind provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem.
MS-UK provides information, advice, and support to anyone affected by multiple sclerosis.
St Helena Hospice provides specialist care and support to people living with life-limiting illnesses and their families.
The 'Sofa To Sailboat' project has already started to receive support from the sailing and charity communities. Anyone who wishes to support Farris and John-Kenneth on their journey can make a donation via the project's official website.
To make a donation, please visit the 'Sofa To Sailboat' website: https://www.sofatosailboat.co.uk/donate
Sofa To Sailboat is also seeking corporate sponsor support: https://www.sofatosailboat.co.uk/sponsor-information