Four intrepid submariners are calling on maritime enthusiasts to attend an exclusive reception aboard HMS Victory on 12 July, in aid of two UK-based maritime charities.
The HMS Oardacious Boat Unveil event will give first sight of the boat in which the team of four, comprising Lieutenant Hugo Mitchell-Heggs, Lieutenant Callum Fraser, Petty Officer Dylan Woods and Leading Hand Matthew Harvey, will row unsupported across the Atlantic Ocean in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge later this year.
Sailors’ Society’s coffee brand, BySea, is hosting the event on board the historic HMS Victory in Portsmouth. All profits from the evening will be evenly split between Sailors’ Society and The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity.
Lieutenant Hugo Mitchell-Heggs, Royal Navy: HMS Oardacious Expedition Leader, said: “HMS Oardacious are proud to be representing the senior service as the first ever official Royal Navy team to row across the Atlantic Ocean. We are really excited to be working with BySea coffee to unveil our ocean rowing boat and to raise funds for two wonderful charities that do so much for the maritime community.”
Commodore Bob Anstey MA Royal Navy, Assistant Chief of Staff Submarines, will address guests prior to the unveiling and blessing of the boat by Sailors’ Society Honorary Chaplain Rev Bill McCrea. A newly composed fanfare will be played by the HMS Nelson Volunteer band as the boat is unveiled.
As part of the experience, guests will have an opportunity to meet the HMS Oardacious crew, complete a guided tour of HMS Victory and enjoy a drinks reception and canapés on board. Guests will also be treated to a goody bag to take home as a memento of the evening.
Vanessa Haddacks, BySea commercial manager, said: “BySea is proud to be hosting this event in support of HMS Oardacious. The evening offers a unique opportunity to be part of this incredible challenge, alongside supporting two fantastic charities. As a sponsor for the HMS Oardacious crew, BySea is also delighted to be fuelling their team training sessions with our HMS Victory coffee!”
The Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge is the world’s toughest rowing race and sees competitors race more than 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean from the Canary Islands to Nelson's Dockyard in Antigua.
Tickets for the HMS Oardacious Boat Unveil cost £75 per person and there is limited availability. To find out more and to book your ticket, click here.
