Yorkshire troops join four-strong team aiming to row Atlantic in tough challenge

A SOLDIER from Huddersfield is set to take on a tough maritime challenge.

Mark Stannard, 37 of Slaithwaite, d will join other men from the Duke of Wellington's Regiment in a daring bid to row the Atlantic.

The four set off in less then 100 days to stretch themselves to their ultimate physical and mental limits.

Lieut Mick Cataldo, nicknamed `Fish', will be leading the team.

Six are in training for the row but only four will be selected.

The final four will only be decided closer to the time but having two reserves will ensure that the endeavour will not be jeopardized due to sickness or injury.

The members are:Lieut Cataldo; Capt Paul Tetlow, from York; Regimental Quartermaster Sgt Stannard from Huddersfield; Colour Sgt Wayne Mills from Sheffield; Cpl Stephen Lynch from Halifax; and Lance Cpl Carl Powell, from Liverpool.

They will be rowing the Atlantic in a boat named the Yorkshire Warrior - symbolic of the new Yorkshire Regiment.

The Yorkshire Warrior will compete against 14 other boats to become the first four-man team to successfully row 3,100 nautical miles from New York to Cornwall.

The team will set off on June 10 and are hoping to raise a substantial amount of money for The Army Benevolent Fund.

Sponsorship from the Army's Regional Recruiting Group for the North East and Yorkshire has enabled the crew to take part in the race.

The amalgamation of the existing infantry regiments was announced in December and the new Regiment will officially form on June 6.

The Yorkshire Warriors will be presented with their new cap badge in New York before they set sail.

The team are currently involved in intensive training on the Dartmouth coast in preparation for the challenge. They are taking part in a series of sea trials varying from one to five days,

rehearsing capsizing and emergency drills as well as practical rowing over the next six weeks.

Their boat has been designed to be strong enough to withstand the most extreme conditions.

It is 8.8m (29ft) in length, with a beam of 1.8m (6ft) and weighs 380kg.

Capt Cataldo said: "Only 141 people have rowed the Atlantic so this really is the ultimate test of courage, determination and team work.

"Two members of the Parachute Regiment were the first men to row across the North Atlantic in 1966, so we think it's fitting that we represent The British Army and the new Yorkshire Regiment in this feat.

"Setting out into the Atlantic we will remember our motto: Virtutis Fortuna Comes (Fortune Favours the Brave) and it is appropriate that serving soldiers should row for soldiers of the past by raising money and awareness for the Army Benevolent Fund."

The team hope to complete the challenge in 50 days, returning at the end of July.