A STUDENT teacher preparing to row across the Atlantic solo has received a boost by securing sponsorship from a local watersports centre.

Rosie Greaves, who lives in Calstock, will take on the bi-ennial Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge – a 3,000 mile race between the Canary Islands and Antigua – in December this year.

The Mount Batten Centre in Plymouth has sponsored her with a powerboat level 2 course, which includes training in how to judge sea states and rules of the ocean.

Watersports and activities manager Sam Waites said: "The Mount Batten Centre is delighted to be sponsoring Rosie Greaves in the 2013 Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge.

'Rosie is a forthright, determined individual who is completing this challenge to raise funds for a very worthwhile local charity, CHICKS. We are exceptionally proud to be assisting Rosie in her monumental challenge.'

Rosie, aged 24, said: 'I'm really grateful for the Mount Batten Centre's support, as the powerboat course gives me a good level of background knowledge before I take some more advanced seamanship courses later in the year.'

Rosie is the only female solo rower and the sole competitor from the south west.

n For more detail or to help, visit the website http://www.rosiesrow.co.uk">www.rosiesrow.co.uk or email her on [email protected]">[email protected] or Tweet @RosiesRow.