Maxime Chaya Dinner at ATCL

With the support of eight sponsors, mainly NESCAFÉ, Lebanese Sportsman, Mountaineer and Explorer Maxime Chaya and two teammates set a new world speed record this summer for rowing across the Indian Ocean in under 58 days. Expedition RIO -- short for Rowing the Indian Ocean -- also made them the first team of three to successfully row any ocean.

The achievements were recently celebrated at an event attended by over 200 people including ministers, Lebanese and foreign dignitaries, and members of the press. Representatives from Nestlé Middle East, Abbott Laboratories, Dar al-Handasa, Demco Steel, Fondation Saradar, Midis Group, Rotana Hotel Management, and Sukleen also attended the event held at the Automobile and Touring Club of Lebanon in Kaslik from where sea-trials were conducted some six months ago.