AN ORDINARY trucker rowed around the Isle of Wight on Saturday (August 27) in preparation for the mammoth task of taking on the North Atlantic.

Jacob Benger-Pereira set off from Hope Road beach in Shanklin at 7.30am and, 15 hours later, the whole of the Island’s coast navigated, he arrived back.

The plan was to row around the Isle of Wight nonstop twice in 48 hours, something Jacob said his body was not ready for.

Aches, nausea and the body being fuelled by just eight bananas due to the inability to stomach anything made it clear to Jacob that the only safe option was to ‘put the left-hand indicator on and pull into home.’

Isle of Wight County Press: “I gave it my best shot, but the body wasn’t ready", said Jacob.“I gave it my best shot, but the body wasn’t ready", said Jacob.

Jacob said: “The reality of such a venture is far more than what the swirling imagination can create in the mind.

“I gave it my best shot, but the body wasn’t ready and made it very clear on the last section from St Catherine’s to Shanklin in the dark.

“It was by no means a failure to me. Everything from the boat, The Little Beauty, to the oars and VHF radio, was donated, showing a beautiful quality of how we really want to help each other.

“The people I met along the way that helped to make this possible I really want to thank, so thank you.”

Isle of Wight County Press: Jacob plans to one day take on the North Atlantic Ocean in a solo row.Jacob plans to one day take on the North Atlantic Ocean in a solo row.

Jacob’s training was trial and error, with the main issue being that a pair of rowlocks would snap every time he went out, trying various sizes with no success.no success.

In the end, recommended by Martin at Bembridge Chandlery, Jacob went to Shanklin Rowing Club, where Gary and Jane gave him their knowledge, time and use of oars and professional oarlocks.

After some adaptation to the boat, she rowed beautifully.

Isle of Wight County Press: For the Atlantic row, Jacob aims to set off from New York and row the 3,200 miles home to Cowes.For the Atlantic row, Jacob aims to set off from New York and row the 3,200 miles home to Cowes.

Jacob continued: “If anyone lives locally to Shanklin or any rowing club, I couldn’t recommend it enough to give rowing a try.

“The freedom it brings to the mind when out on the water is such a great remedy for anyone struggling with their stress or mental health.

“It gives the body and mind a rest bite and really lightens the day up in all areas.”

 Jacob said he will continue training in The Little Beauty and see where it takes him and the people he meets along the way.

“Maybe across the North Atlantic, who knows.”