As a communications person, I’m finding that even the clearest of messages can get distorted or misunderstood.

When I decided to undertake my row, I created a website with all the relevant information, something I thought would help people understand what the challenge was about.

I did this because if someone were to donate to my causes, they have a right to know what I was doing and what the charities do.

The message did not always get through in the way it was intended, so here are some clarifications that may help:

• On the row across the Atlantic, we  will have no other boat or any other form of support whatsoever. Yes, it’s a small boat in a big ocean. It’s a tough challenge, which is probably why very few people have ever done it. The boat is equipped with all the necessary equipment to get us to the other side safely, but it’ll be hard
• Speaking of which, in the history of mankind, a whisper over 1,100 people have rowed across an ocean
• It’s not an exclusive male domain. Many women row across oceans, too. In our team, we are very proud to have a female member (or, as we know her, a team member)
• I’m not asking anyone to row. All I’m asking is for people to donate to my three chosen organizations. We had a charming old lady explaining to us why she and her husband could not help as they were too old to row with us. “He’s got a bad back, you know,” she told us. “I’m not sure we can make it.” Very sweet, but not necessary, my dear. We’ll do the rowing
• Speaking of donations, all the money (literally all of it) go to the Hospice (Malta), Terre des hommes, and Krebsliga. Not only, you can choose the organization you want to help (I do not decide myself). There are links on my website that direct you to accounts belonging to the organizations. To clarify again, the money NEVER comes to me at any level
• If/When you donate, you will not (in any way) be paying for my ‘holiday’ on a boat. Seriously. My idea of a holiday is somewhat different
• You may think I’m begging for money, that’s your prerogative. And if that convinces you to donate, fine
• If you don’t trust me (also your prerogative), I’d just ask that you go directly to one of these three organizations to donate. They need the money to help people. Be it cancer patients or Syrian refugee children, it’s just nice to do something altruistically
• I’m paying all my expenses out of my own pocket. All of them. It’s not cheap, but we can manage
• I’m not asking you to like or support what I’m doing – it’s fine. It’s also fine if you don’t let me know of why what I’m doing is silly, a way to attract attention, a mid-life crisis gone very wrong, or (my favorite) an ego trip
• Feel free to call me crazy. You’re probably right on some level

I don’t have a team of people helping me. It’s just my wife and me. We appreciate the support we are receiving from a number of people, and want to say thanks. Also, to those who have already donated, and even bigger thanks. Let’s hope more follow your example.

To find out more about Steve’s challenge, visit his website: www.crossrower.ch or de.crossrower.ch (German)