It took me some time before I came up with the name Cross Rower for my Atlantic Ocean row, and in reality the reasons are very simple.

Both my native and adoptive countries (Malta and Switzerland) have a cross as their symbol. The Maltese eight-pointed cross is a world-famous symbol that is recognizable everywhere. I always had a certain liking for this cross, to be honest, so am very happy to be associated with it.

The Swiss flag, with a white cross on a red background, is also universally known. I also have a strong connection with this country and therefore I felt that I had to have something related to the country in the name I use for the crossing.

Apart from that, I’ll be rowing across the Atlantic Ocean – the connection can’t be more obvious than that.

I was asked about whether the cross is also a religious symbol, and the answer is no. Personally, I live by Christian values – generosity, respect, love, peace, charity – because I believe it’s the right thing to do not because there is any post-death reward (I don’t believe in heaven nor hell, nor any higher being). Just to clarify, I have no issue with people who have faith – it’s just that I don’t.

Finally, the Cross Rower emblem was created using the blade of an oar as a background. The blade is made to resemble a face with the eyes taking the form of a Rannoch 45 boat – the same which I’ll be on during my crossing.

For more information on the row, visit www.crossrower.ch