FOUR serving MoD personnel (2 men and 2 women) from The Royal Air Force 216 Squadron and 47 Squadron based at RAF Brize Norton, are to embark on one of the world’s greatest and toughest expeditions. Ark is pleased to sponsor them in this endeavour.

The Atlantic Forces team set off today from San Sebastian de La Gomera, Tenerife, to race across the Atlantic to finish at the beautiful Caribbean island of Antigua, in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge. They join fifteen other boats in this race of approximately 3000 nautical miles that should take between 40-90 days.

Huw Owen, CEO of Ark, said: “We are proud to sponsor team Atlantic Forces, and will be monitoring their progress over the length of the challenge. They are showing extreme courage and strength to take part in this journey and we wish them every success.”

“As a company, Ark hopes our support helps the Atlantic Forces team to complete this arduous challenge and even win. Like the Ark team, Atlantic Forces will need to operate as one, and be committed and passionate about everything they do.”

The expedition is a race organised by Atlantic Campaigns and this year Talisker Whiskey officially sponsors the event. The race only takes place every two years, and to date, more people have been into space than have completed the challenge. Atlantic Forces is the first military mixed sex team to complete this feat of human endeavour and join the elite few.

The Atlantic Forces team is made up of Jane McIntosh (Skipper), Warren Burns, Elizabeth Beauchamp and Howard Raw. They begin their challenge on the 4th December and their progress can be followed on Twitter or via the sponsors’ website.

Proceeds from sponsorship will be divided over three charities – Alzheimer’s Society, Action for Children and The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund. To donate please visit Atlantic Forces Virgin Giving Page