Four Maltese paddlers have stepped up their training regimes in preparation for the GasanMamo Kayak for Cancer Challenge in June, an open sea long distance marathon where they will cross the Malta Channel unassisted, without the help of escort boats.

Dorian J. Vassallo, an employee of GasanMamo, initiated a sea kayak endurance challenge in 2008 as a way of generating funds for charity, after losing his wife to cancer. This year the funds will go to Puttinu Cares. Organisers and veteran paddlers Dorian J. Vassallo and Captain Albert Gambina will be accompanied by experienced athletes Mark Bugeja and Michael Gellel. The two Maltese teams will be joined by a third team, Italian duo Francesco Landolina and Salvatore Messina from the Circolo Canoa Catania.

The paddlers have been increasing their training gradually as the date of the paddle looms closer, preparing the body for long hours at sea and for strenuous physical activity. “Spring means volatile weather,” said Captain Gambina. “Trying to find a suitable weather window where we can venture out at sea for long periods is not straightforward. However it hasn’t dampened our determination in the least! Despite the uncooperative weather we managed a long paddle, completing a circumnavigation of Malta. We covered a distance of 40.5 nautical miles (75km) in an overall time of 10 hours and 45 minutes, out of which 10 hours 15 minutes were actual paddling time. We will be repeating this paddle very soon with our paddling colleagues Mark Bugeja and Michael Gellel.”

“These long paddles are in addition to the rigorous weekly training we undergo both on land in the gym and on the water,” said Dorian Vassallo. “Two gym sessions a week supplement our water-borne training, a mid-week paddle usually lasting between one to one and a half hours paddling inside Malta’s beautiful harbours. In the weekend session we venture out to sea spending between 4 and 5 hours paddling at a constant rate without any stops.” The paddlers will leave Malta at the end of June to row across the Malta Channel and make their way north towards the Sicilian coast, without the assistance of escort boats, and completing their voyage in the port of Catania. The total distance of the crossing will cover approximately 135 nautical miles over three days with the rowers paddling at an average speed of 3/3.5 knots.

“We are appealing to the public who is always extraordinarily generous to support the paddlers with donations that not only will make their challenge worthwhile but will also alleviate the hardship that children suffering from cancer and their families face,” said Julian J. Mamo, Director, GasanMamo Insurance Ltd. “Our support was immediate and we hope to lead by example so that many others will follow suit.”

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.

Photo by Lino Azzopardi.

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