“The minute you get comfortable, the Atlantic just knocks you over…”
PREVIEW: Man vs Ocean, 112 Days
Man vs Ocean, an emotional and reflective adventure documentary that follows Damian Browne and Fergus Farrell’s thrilling voyage as they attempt the impossible – traversing the unforgiving Atlantic Ocean in a small two-person rowboat – will air on Wednesday 6th December, 9.35pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.
The documentary follows Damian and Fergus preparing for their epic voyage as they aim to set a new world record for the fastest unsupported Atlantic row, from New York to Galway. Their extraordinary journey will not only test their bodies but also push the boundaries of their relationships with each other, their families, and themselves.
Setting out on this adventure, Damian Browne commented: “More people have summited Mount Everest or been into space than rowed an ocean. Our goal is to row from New York 5,000km across the unforgiving North Atlantic, unsupported to our hometown Galway by manpower alone. The record is 55 days 13 hours. Our goal is to break that world record…”
The physical obstacles are only one element of their journey. Damian and Fergus are forced to face their own personal obstacles as they push their bodies and minds to the limits. Damian aims to use the journey to reflect on his obsession with thrill seeking. Meanwhile, Fergus wrestles with self-doubt and questions whether he is ready for this mammoth challenge as, just a few short years ago he was paralysed by a traumatic spinal injury, but learnt to walk again against the odds.
However, when Fergus has to be evacuated 12 days into the excursion, Damian quickly realises that his journey is only just beginning. What started out as two friends attempting to break a 125-year-old world record hurtles into the ultimate test of human endurance. While out on the ocean, Damian is forced to reevaluate his relationship with his friends, his family and ultimately, his relationship with himself.
Man vs Ocean will air on Wednesday 6th December, 9.35pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.