Couple Plans to Row Across the Atlantic Ocean

PHOTOS: Cindy Way and James Caple pause for a photo last summer after purchasing an ocean rowing boat in Connecticut they have dubbed "Nautilus," that they plan to row across the Atlantic Ocean. Photos from fundraising campaign sites

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A Northern Virginia couple plans a sea odyssey this spring -- a voyage rowing across the Atlantic Ocean from Cape Cod, Mass. to Dingle, Ireland.

"Team 1000 Leagues" is comprised of two rowers: James Caple and Cindy Way. Both row competitively for Alexandria Community Rowing.

The two will row a 24-foot ocean Pairs Boat (two people) unassisted and unsupported roughly 1,000 leagues (3,300 miles) across the North Atlantic. They hope their feat will earn them several Guinness world records.

They're preparing physically with yoga, weight-lifting and erging. They've also taken a Safety at Sea seminar in Annapolis.

Sponsors and supporters so far include: Thomas J. Fannon & Sons, KTOR Human Energy, Rudy Project, Vermont Peanut Butter; supporters include Tabor Academy, Alexandria Community Rowing and Rachel Lowe Photography.

"Our mission is to inspire others to get out of their offices and realize their dreams, as well as be role models to inspire the next generation to achieve greatness!" they say on indiegogo, where they have set up a page to raise funds for the rowing trip. They hope to embark on May 22 from Cape Cod, but will adjust their schedule depending on the weather.

They hope to raise $5,000 to purchase more equipment needed for the trip and have so far raised about half that.

Caple and Way will be the crewmembers solely responsible for rowing their boat the entire distance across the North Atlantic. In addition to these two, however, additional team members will provide coaching, mentoring, logistical, public relations and weather routing support.

Last summer, the team purchased a built-for-purpose ocean rowing boat from an individual in Connecticut who was planning a similar expedition of his own, but needed to postpone his project indefinitely. Caple and Way purchased the boat for $50,000 out of their personal savings.

The boat has been across the Atlantic Ocean three times already.