On June 19, Daniel Abela will sink into a rowing boat in Pozzallo, Sicily, equipped with food and water, and a compass, which he hopes will guide him back to the Valletta Waterfront a few days later.
Some would argue it's no big deal. After all, in 1985, athlete Nicky Farrugia managed to make the same crossing - without the use of a boat!
But Abela, 39, last used a rowing boat when he was 13, and this time he intends to raise thousands of euros in the process. Like a modern-day Colombus, he will attempt to row a stretch of around 100 kilometres, which is expected to take anything between three to four days at sea, provided he overcomes a series of obstacles along the way.
Abela has set himself a series of mad challenges over the years. In 2006 he walked 2.4 kilometres underwater to raise funds for two charities - Caritas and the Eden Foundation.
This time round, the beneficiaries will be the Puttinu Cares Childrens' Cancer Support Group and Beyond the Moon. The funds raised will be used to organise and pay for a dream holiday for terminally sick children and their parents. The idea is to give them the opportunity to spend quality time together and enjoy memorable moments, away from all the problems and difficulties they encounter every day.
To date, Abela has managed to raise over €210,000 (Lm90,153) for charitable institutions, sometimes with the help (and sweat) of hotelier Winston Zahra.
He admits that several friends have tried to talk him out of this year's challenge, especially since he has still not taken to the sea, pending delivery of the boat this week.
"I started this new initiative to raise funds while doing some mad, silly stunt, which many might find amusing or mental. I guess it's different than rowing in the gym, sitting on cushioned seats with music playing in the background. Sometimes I just think of a challenge without realising the potential repercussions," he says, before his mind quickly turns to plans to row the Atlantic one day.
"If you look at the negative side, you'll never do anything. Achievement is my biggest motivator. When I ask for money I want to show the donors that it also comes with effort and commitment."
Abela has undergone a tough training regime for the past three months. By 5 a.m. he is doing a cardio session with a professional boxer, before putting on his suit to run his business. Once that job is done, he takes to the streets in the evening for a one-hour jog.
It is a fair price to pay for Abela who has always focused his efforts to help children: "Imagine your child was dying of cancer. It's the most fulfilling thing I can do."
The attempt, to be called the Vodafone Malta Foundation Rowing Mad challenge, will be officially launched during a news conference on Friday.
Ukrainian Theodore Rezvoy, who rowed solo across the Atlantic Ocean from New York to France, the first person to do so since 1896, is expected to be present.
The charity has already started pouring in, with Express Trailers delivering the rowing boat for free from the UK.
Abela is hoping to receive a €250 (Lm107) donation or more from different businesses, though private donors will also be welcome.
Cheques should be made payable to either Puttinu Cares Childrens' Cancer Support Group or Beyond the Moon and marked for Abela's attention at 217/1 21st September Avenue, Naxxar NXR 1013.