The Atlantic Ocean Row Team 2011, which 22-year-old cancer survivor Thomas J. Cremona forms part of, set off on its record-breaking attempt yesterday afternoon.

Thomas forms part of a six-man team, which is attempting to break the Mid-Atlantic Rowing Speed record of 33 days, seven hours and 30 minutes.

The team plans to cover more than 5,000 kilometres in the Sara G, a six-man sculling boat which measures 11.1 metres in length and has a 1.8-metre beam.

Following preparations and minor modifications to the boat, last weekend the team left from Agadir for Tarfaya (in southern Morocco).

This was where the team set off for their record-breaking attempt at 2.20pm (Malta time) yesterday.

Thomas, who has been updating his blog (www.oceanrowmalta.com) regularly, wrote: “The journey from Agadir to Tarfaya, a port in the southern part of Morocco, took longer than anticipated. The weather was not ideal as the ocean was a little rough, especially considering the size of Sara G. Rowing throughout the night was particularly challenging, though we persevered and managed to maintain a steady pace”.

He said that as the voyage progressed the team members started to bond better with one another. Apart from the great team spirit, this also contributed to an improvement in the team’s rowing technique as they achieved a speed of 3.4 knots.

“At this pace, we can realistically attempt to set a new world record – always if weather conditions will be favourable throughout the crossing and accumulated tiredness does not threaten our ongoing efforts. A high point during the trip to Tarfaya was when dolphins swam alongside the boat.”

Having been diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia at the age of four, his driving ambition for the 2011 Atlantic row is to raise awareness that there is life after cancer.

The Atlantic rowing challenge is also serving as a fundraising event for Puttinu Cares Foundation, which helps the families of child cancer patients.

Donations may be effected directly to Puttinu Cares Foundation:

SMS: 50617380 - €2.33; 50618939 - €6.99; 50619225 - €11.65

Phone: 50049543 - €7.00; 50049545 - €11.00; 50049540 - €23.00

Bank: Bank of Valletta account 400 1812 2134

Thomas is supported by corporate sponsors Bettson, Riverdream, MacMed, KPMG, Satariano, and Josies who are helping to cover the costs of the trip. Other supporters include the Kunsill Malti ghall-iSport, as well as his family and friends who are fully supporting him in his cause.

Thomas has participated in several challenges including LifeCycle 2006, cycling over 2,000 kilometres in 10 days, in aid of the national renal unit.