The 135 nautical mile route of the GasanMamo Kayak for Cancer Challenge 2011 got under way last Thursday.

Dorian J. Vassallo and captain Albert Gambina, photo, accompanied by experienced athletes Mark Bugeja and Michael Gellel and Italian duo Francesco Landolina and Fabrizio Messina, from the Circolo Canoa of Catania, left Marfa at about 5am and arrived in Sampieri, Sicily after 14 hours.

The teams were also accompanied by another two Italians from Rome, Giovanni Montagner and Elisabetta Bassanelli. 

The hot sun together with the busy shipping traffic on this route proved challenging as they manoeuvred their way across this busy channel.

At night time, the teams camped on a nearby beach and then left the following morning to continue paddling towards Marina di Avola after which there had to be an additional 14 hours of rowing until reaching Catania.

Donations to the GasanMamo Kayak for Cancer Challenge 2011 can be made by sending an SMS to 5061 7366 (€2.33); 5061 8075 (€4.66) or 5061 9208 (€11.65). Cheques payable to Puttinu Cares are to be mailed to GasanMamo Insurance Ltd, Head Office, Msida Road, Gzira.

One can also make a donation personally in any one of GasanMamo’s branches around Malta. The GasanMamo Kayak for Cancer Challenge 2011 can also be found on Facebook.