Man to row, row, row his boat across the atlantic

Michael McLaughlin - 

The third time could be the charm for a New York City man trying to row across the Atlantic Ocean by himself.

Victor Mooney, 45, a college publicist, will paddle west from the Cape Verde islands in February after two previous attempts to cross the Atlantic had to be abandoned.

The trip is a mission to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS -- a disease that claimed the life of one his brothers. Another brother is infected.

"I'm hoping that for every stroke I make, someone can get tested for the virus," Mooney said.

The journey -- first toward the Caribbean and then northward, ultimately landing at the Brooklyn Bridge -- covers 5,000 miles and could take Mooney eight months or more aboard his 21-foot vessel christened "Never Give Up."

"This is something I'm dedicated to doing," Mooney told AOL News. "And with God's blessings, I can make it."

If he succeeds, he'll become the first African-American to row across the Atlantic.

"These milestones are here, but my focus is on HIV/AIDS advocacy and prevention," Mooney said. "The water just happens to be the conduit."

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South African Arts International, Ltd.

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