FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Denver, CO – XX2i Optics, winner of Gear Institute’s “Best Value” award, is excited to announce a partnership with three brave athletes tackling this year’s Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge: the American Oarsmen. Michael Matson, David Alviar, and Brian Krauskopf aim to row 3,000 nautical miles from La Gomera, Canary Islands to Antigua in the Caribbean in 45 days, a new American record.
“As a former collegiate rower, I am continually impressed by the challenges our sponsored athletes take on. Rowing in the open ocean across the Atlantic is not for the faint of heart,” said Paul Craig, President of XX2i Optics. “Our 8K polarized lens technology is ideal for navigating on the water, so these guys should know they are in good hands when the conditions get rough. It’s going to be a battle out there, but I’m honored the American Oarsmen chose XX2i Optics to protect their eyes in anything but calm conditions.”
"We have lots of goals in this race,” shared Michael Matson, member of the American Oarsmen. “Being skipper, my goal is simply to ensure the boat and crew make it safely from start to finish. Beyond that, we are vying for numerous records!”
Should the American Oarsmen cross the 4,800,000 meters of Atlantic Ocean successfully, they will be the first Texans to ever row an ocean. If they win their division, the team will be the first 3-man boat to row the Atlantic. If they complete the race in less than 45 days, the men will be the fastest Americans to ever row the Atlantic.
“David and I were both collegiate rowers,” Matson told XX2i. “David rowed stroke seat for the University of Texas rowing club, and I was a member of the US Naval Academy’s Heavyweight Men’s team. Our love of rowing and ties to Rice University had us meet when we both volunteered to coach the Rice University Rowing Club. Brian was a new addition to the team in early 2016. He was a football player for the South Alabama Jaguars, and he is now the General Manager of an indoor rowing studio in Houston, where David currently coaches.”
The American Oarsmen will wear the France2 frames with polarized lenses when they begin their journey on December 14th, 2016. Polarized lenses are ideal for rowers, as they block sunlight and eliminate intense water glare that may interfere with navigation. “Sunglasses are a requirement for undertaking a journey like this,” added Matson. “We are literally in the elements with zero shade from the sun for a month and a half!”
Not only do the American Oarsmen need sunglasses, but they need durable and reliable frames – a specialty of XX2i Optics. The France2, along with many other XX2i models, has fully adjustable temple tips and nose pads, ensuring a secure fit when the crew is faced conditions like with 20 foot swells and 35 mph winds at sea.
Conquering the ocean on human power alone is practically an unimaginable feat, hence why the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge is often referred to as “The World’s Toughest Row.” You can track the team’s progress on their website racetheatlantic.com, as well as the official American Oarsmen Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
About XX2i Optics
High quality performance and casual eyewear at an excellent price • Winner of Gear Institute’s “Best Value” Award and Outside Magazine's “Killer Value” Award • Lifetime Warranty • www.XX2i.com
Media Contacts:
Simone Cordery-Cotter - simone@gorace.pro 949-272-2476
Riley Lantz – rlantz@gorace.pro 949-272-2461
