Although Aldo and Ken’s sea adventure was cut short in January, miracles do happen! RITA was discovered washed up on the beaches of Barbados on 6th April 2009 by a local resident, David Porter. Although RITA no longer looks the shiny sailing vessel she once did, David Porter managed to put together enough sections of the boat to obtain Aldo’s website in order to contact him. Though the remains were scarce, Aldo and Ken’s lucky mascots survived the trip! RITA was destined to reach the Caribbean even without the help of her crew!

Aldo interviewed on local BBC television

RAFT was delighted to welcome home our intrepid heroes Aldo Diana and Ken Maynard who have returned safely following their rowing adventure at sea. As you know, our brave friends set off on 12 December 2008 from the Canaries on an extremely treacherous expedition. They overcame rowing in extreme weather conditions, sleep deprivation, major technical problems, horrendous seasickness, and were away from there loved ones over the festive period (no Christmas Day lunch and log fires for them!).  However, they managed to get into the spirit by putting up tinsel on the deck, wore their Father Christmas hats and pulled a few crackers. After over a month at sea, 25-foot waves won the battle. Our brave rowers were forced to 'abandon ship' off the coast of Cape Verde and we are all looking forward to them returning to RAFT for a heroes welcome. Although everything wasn’t quite 'plain sailing', RAFT Trustees, Patrons, Staff, Friends & Supporters would like to convey their overwhelming gratitude for their tremendous fundraising efforts and real enthusiasm for this challenge.

THANK YOU ALDO & KEN