Grandad 'fit as a fiddle' for 3,000-mile row

A grandfather is preparing to start the "world's toughest row" on a solo trip across the Atlantic Ocean.

At the age of 70, Vic Handley is aiming to be the third oldest person to complete the 3,000-mile row from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua in the Caribbean.

The retired engineering director landed in the Canary Islands on Friday and said he is "fit as a fiddle" and "ready" for the row to begin on 12 December.

Mr Handley, from Littleover, told BBC Radio Derby that saying goodbye to his family for four months is the "hardest part" of the challenge.

During his challenge, 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 freeze-dried food, sleeping, or carrying out maintenance on the boat, which has been named "The City of Derby".

Mr Handley is hoping the row will raise £200,000 in aid of the Enthusiasm Trust, Derby County Community Trust, Derbyshire Mind and Umbrella.

"Just because I’m 70 years old doesn’t mean I don’t have a fire in my belly or I’ve not got dreams to fulfil", said Mr Handley.

"I want to look back and realise I’ve done all the ambitions I ever wanted to do.

"I’m hoping the challenge will encourage people to realise their ambitions."

On being away from his family until next year, Mr Handley said his wife told him to "pack an Easter egg", just in case he is away longer than expected.

"For me to be away from my family at Christmas and New Year will be the hardest part", said Mr Handley.

"The family thought it was just a bonkers idea when I told them at first, but it all became real when the boat arrived at the house!"

Mr Handley said you can watch him leave the Canaries on a live stream, alongside 38 other boats that are taking on the challenge – including just six solo crafts.

"On the day that I leave, I’ll be all on my own and ready for the challenge", he added.

"It's going to be a busy day."

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