THE mum braving the wild Atlantic way from the Canaries to the Caribbean in a rowing boat has admitted: “I’m not a seasoned rower”. Sharon O’Donnell and her sons Evan and Glenn, from Arranmore, are to row nearly 5,000 kms over eight weeks in a challenge dubbed the “World’s Toughest” to raise money for the RNLI. They are taking lessons in ocean rowing – including offshore and in the dark – to prepare for the gruelling two-month epic task of rowing in the open seas with six-metre high waves. Arranmore RNLI volunteer Sharon added: “Training is extensive, mandatory courses are required from navigation, sea survival, first aid at sea, VHF radio and an ocean rowing course. The World’s Toughest Row is annual international event and begins in December, so the O’Donnell will miss Christmas on Arranmore this year.