2025 Race Entrants

Solo

The Old See Dogs (UK)
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Cross Rower (MT)
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Viva For Life (BE)
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Non Deficere (UK)
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Jason Kemp
No Rowgrets (UK)
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Rebel Rowing (IE)
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Taryn Smith Movement (US)
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Row2Inspire (UK)
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Team: The Old See Dogs (UK)

Rower: Alan Fortuin
Country: United Kingdom
Boat Design: TBC
Charity: The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association
Social Media: http://www.oldseedogs.com

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To mark my 60th Birthday, in January 2019 I completed a solo bike ride from John O’Groats to Lands End, over a period of 14 days, finishing on my 60th. On completion of the ride family and friends asked what challenge I would take on for my 70th, and I decided to row 7,000,000m on an indoor rowing machine in my 70th year. Then in 2021, I saw a news report about Frank Rothwell completing the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge at the age of 70, my thoughts then were, if he can row an ocean why cant I. I will be 66 at the end of my row, so don’t worry Frank your record is safe.

My Grandmother was blind, and since 1999, in her memory, and by conducting various endurance events, I have raised thousands of pounds for the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association (Guide Dogs). The first UK guide dogs were trained in 1931, and in 1934 the Guide Dogs was formed. The Guide Dogs does tremendous work, breeding and training dogs, helping enable the blind and those with sight loss to conduct a normal and fulfilling life. It should be noted, that for safety reasons, those who are registered blind can not take part in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, however, they will be able to join me, in spirit, as part of the Old See Dogs team.

Team: Cross Rower (MT)

Rower: Steve Chetcuti
Country: Malta
Boat Design: R25
Charity: TBC
Social Media: TBC

It may sound crazy, but I quite like the idea of being out on the vast ocean in a tiny boat with a great challenge to complete. This will give me the opportunity to achieve something amazing, and the chance to sing loudly and dance badly without my neighbours (or family) complaining.

This will be my second row – in 2021, I completed a mainland Europe to mainland South America row in just under 52 days. This time, I’m going solo.

Team: Viva For Life (BE)

Rower: Benoît Bourguet
Country: Belgium
Boat Design: TBC
Charity: TBC
Social Media: TBC

Coming Soon

Team: Non Deficere (UK)

Rower: Tom Skinner
Country: United Kingdom
Boat Design: TBC
Charity: TBC
Social Media: TBC

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During Lockdown 2020, the world felt very far away. And like many, I immersed myself in hours of Netflix documentaries to pass the time. I became enthralled by the heroic feats of Nims Purja and anyone brave enough to climb Everest.
From the comfort of my sofa I said to myself – “If we get the world back, I’m going to climb my Everest.”
My Everest became crossing the Atlantic Ocean. I read as much as I could on the history of ocean rowing. That led me to incredible men like – Samuelson and Harbo, and their first crossing in 1896. It wasn’t long before I found the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge website.
My two sons, Charlie and Otto will be 9 and 7 when I put to sea from La Gomera. I want them to look at the world with wonder and say, “If my Dad can row across an ocean…what adventures could I have one day?” One of the many objectives I hope rowing the Atlantic solo will achieve.
Team: No Rowgrets (UK)

Rower: Jason Kemp
Country: United Kingdom
Boat Design: R10
Charity: The Wave Project and Ocean Conservation Trust
Social Media: jason-kemp.com

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Jason Kemp

I have spent most of my working life sitting down in busy offices or travelling to new and interesting places to sit down in a different busy office.  At one point I was crossing the Atlantic in both directions, on crowded flights, seemingly on a weekly basis which, after a while, became a feat of endurance in itself.  Now, instead of seizing the opportunity for a seat with extra legroom I am seizing the opportunity to row in a tiny boat made of recycled plastic bottles, on my own, powered solely by me, across the ocean I have flown over so many times.  A childhood dream checked off the list and hopefully an opportunity to share whatever learnings are to be found in pulling 1.5 million rowing strokes alone at sea.

When it comes to fitness I am more of a Jack of a few trades, master of none, type, and none of those few trades is rowing, so learning to row efficiently and prepare myself for the physical aspects of this will be a new and interesting challenge.  However, it is building the required mental strength that I am really fascinated by.  3,000 miles is a long way and spending it on my own with all the associated challenges of a solo row is likely to be the biggest single hurdle to overcome.

I will be rowing to raise money for two amazing charities, both revolving around the sea.  The Wave Project harnesses the healing power of the sea to provide ‘surf therapy’ to young people struggling to find their own self belief and Ocean Conservation Trust which is protecting all the world’s oceans that we rely on in so many ways

Team: Rebel Rowing (IE)

Rower: Robert Clarke
Country: Ireland
Boat Design: TBC
Charity: TBC
Social Media: TBC

The first time I came across the row I was about 15 years old, and since then I have been obsessed with the thought of doing it. After years of it coming and going I am finally in a position to go for it, so here I am. The idea of pitting myself against one of the greatest challenges in the world both mentally and physically very much appeals to me. I want to follow in the footsteps of some great Irish ocean rowers who have come before me such as Damien Browne, Karen Weekes, Eoin O’Farrell, Paul Gleeson and so many more.

Team: Taryn Smith Movement (US)

Rower: Taryn Smith
Country: United States
Boat Design: TBC
Charity: Girls on the Run
Social Media: http://tarynsmithmovement.com/

Flag USA US

Taryn was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska. She loves the cornhusker state but after graduating from Nebraska Wesleyan University with a bachelors in Political Science, began working at Redfish Lake Lodge in Stanley, Idaho. Taryn teaches yoga in Stanley for the summer months and spends the winters traveling the world.

Taryn’s greatest joy in life is adventure which is why the World’s Toughest Row is a natural fit. The biggest adventures begin with absurd questions like “what if I rowed across an ocean?” With no previous rowing experience but a love of all things sailing (inherited from her grandfathers), Taryn can’t wait to push herself physically and mentally to complete in one of the world’s most grueling challenges.

Taryn will represent Girls on the Run, a non-profit that empowers girls through athletics and community. Supporting girls in athletics goes far beyond the sport itself. By meeting in teams, girls build confidence and other important life skills. A grand endeavor like rowing across an ocean is a perfect platform to elevate the important work of Girls on the Run.

Everyone can do anything! From the grandest trips to the smallest surprises, Taryn loves cultivating a spirit of childlike enthusiasm and adventure in life. She hopes that throughout this process, she gets to connect with folks who also find joy and wonder in the biggest and smallest moments.

Team: Adam Jones (UK)

Rower: Adam Jones
Country: United Kingdom
Boat Design: R25 Solo
Charity: Target Ovarian Cancer
Social Media: Website Instagram

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My campaign Row2Inspire has been created with the aim to inspire anyone and everyone it is possible to overcome tough times and achieve your dreams. Crossing the Atlantic ocean has always been a pipe dream for me. I assumed it would be under sail but I think the physicality of rowing will be more in tune with my personality and lust for adventure.

I want to inspire my children William & Emily through this challenge that when life gets tough and your in the eye of the storm in 40ft waves or scorching equatorial heat in a boat alone if you persevere you can make it out the other side.

In late 2019 I lost my mother to Ovarian Cancer, her name was Jacqueline. The same name I have given to my ocean rowing boat to honour her. Target Ovarian Cancer is the charity I will be supporting during the row.

Pairs

Force Horizon (UK)
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Free From the Harbour (CA)
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Stronger Twogether (UK)
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Foarrest Gumption (USA)
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Atlantic Sixties (NL)
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Hänsel und Gretel (DE)
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The Wave Wranglers (UK)
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Greens2Blue (UK)
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Stelantic (CH)
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Team: Force Horizon (UK)

Rower: Chris Ambler & Kip Wells
Country: United Kingdom
Boat Design: TBC
Charity: The Jon Egging Trust
Social Media: http://www.forcehorizon.com

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We are Team Force Horizon – Chris & Kip!

We met on day 1 of secondary school and instantly hit it off…we had a great time at school competing against each other in the house sports events, competing together in the school teams and also on the amateur rugby scene. Fitness has been a shared passion of ours and we are both keen adventurers. We have been talking for years about doing a serious challenge together, and here we are!

We have decided to compete in TWAC 2025 to support the Jon Egging Trust, who believe that every young person, no matter their starting point, should leave school armed with the confidence, resilience and self-belief to succeed.

Many of JET’s students face significant life challenges or lack positive role models. We know that with the right support, and by building teamwork, leadership and
communication skills and raising aspirations, the sky is their limit.

We aim to be a positive role model for JET, demonstrating to their students that with each Individual effort as part of a likeminded team, we can achieve incredible things. Team Force Horizon celebrates every member of the team, there is a place for everyone and everyone’s roles are important. We win as a team! When the Force Horizon boat makes it to Antigua it’s not just the 2 people in the boat that got it there…it’s the whole Force Horizon family!

We are not afraid of being out of our comfort zone, we thrive in the dark shadows of physical and mental exhaustion. We are a Force and we are heading for that horizon until we hit Antigua!

Stronger Twogether (UK)

Rower: Julie Paillin-Dean & Ian Paillin-Dean
Country: United Kingdom
Boat Design: R25
Charity: LOROS & mee & dee charity
Social Media: http://www.strongertwogether.co.uk

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It seems fitting that Ian is joining Jooles on her dream of rowing an ocean as they met at the ‘Pacific Terrific’ Documentary Screening in 2019. Ian fell in love at that moment and announced to friends that she was the next Mrs Dean. It wasn’t until 2021 the stars aligned and he eventually managed to tell her. Next thing he knows he’s agreed to row the Atlantic Ocean with Jooles and now they’re married !

Jooles is a Mum to two girls aged 12 and 8,  has lived her life either on or next to the water. The ocean rowing began seriously eight years ago with an interest in rowing around Britain and following a fellow indoor rower in the 2015 race. Her previous rowing accolades include a Concept2 World Record,  Marathon Records, Coastal, British Masters 4+ Win and international rowing adventures including rowing in the Vogalonga, Holland, Austria, Marseille & Naples. The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Pageant however was the best and most prestigious experience until now.  Over the last 14 years of rowing adventures, coastal and ocean rowing experience,  her passion for life and inherent determination has made her the driving force and natural choice to lead the pair on this most epic of adventures.

Ian is a Dad of one teenage daughter and like most kids he spent summers in the local rivers, lakes and old quarries. Ian’s water based activities have generally been inland, including kayaking, open water swimming, narrowboating and river cruise adventures. Ian keeps busy singing and dancing,  walking, anything from 5 to 70km, Obstacle Course Running and climbing. Ian started rowing after meeting Jooles. Ian likes to say he’s not competitive but the fourth time rowing ever he competed in the annual learn to row mini-races against more experienced rowers and won one of the heats. A lot of Ian’s time is now taken up preparing for TWAC 2025 with weight training, yoga and a variety of mobility work to improve his strength, mobility and endurance fitness…  and rowing of course. Perks of having a PT and rowing coach as your life partner and team skipper.

We have decided to raise money for two charities that we both feel strongly about:  LOROS, a local Leicestershire charity providing hospice care to patients and families relieving the distress of patients with advanced incurable diseases, mainly cancer. LOROS palliative care helped Ian’s family when their mum passed away in 2004. Every year LOROS care for over 2,500 people across the county delivering free, high-quality, compassionate care and support that is special and unique for each individual.

Our second charity is me & dee charity providing support for families and children facing life-changing and limiting circumstances, by providing a space to celebrate the precious time they have together. Helping families going through life-changing circumstances to laugh and smile when they need it most, making sure it’s the special times that will always be remembered. Their mission statement is “To make memories when they matter most.

Team: Forrest Gumption (USA)

Rower: Payton Henson & Jesse McNeill
Country: United States
Boat Design: TBC
Charity: TBC
Social Media: TBC

Flag USA US

Coming Soon!

Team: Atlantic Sixties (NL)

Rower: Kees Verweel & Paul Van Der Linde
Country: Netherlands
Boat Design: TBC
Charity: Plastic Soup Foundation, The Ocean Cleanup and Spieren Voor Spieren
Social Media: atlanticsixties.com

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Both Paul and Kees (1963) have a very long rowing career, and participated in lots of lifeboat & whaler races in The Netherlands as well as other countries. Both Paul and Kees do have one big dream on their bucket list; rowing across an ocean! In the year they will be 60 years old their dream will come true! Team Atlantic Sixties is on route for their biggest challenge in life; TWAC2025 During our Challenge we raise as much money as possible for three charities close to our hearts. Both in our work and private life, we are involved in the environment, sustainability and the necessary step towards a circular economy. And on a completely different note, although at least as important, every child must be physically able to be a child, meaning able to play and exercise. That is why we are very happy to support Plastic Soup Foundation, The Ocean Cleanup and Spieren voor Spieren

Team: The Wave Wranglers (UK)

Rower: Oliver Rathbone & George Attfield
Country: United Kingdom
Boat Design: D 12
Charity: The Wave Wrangler Charity in partnership with the British Heart Foundation
Social Media: TBC

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I (Olly) have been obsessing over rowing the Atlantic ocean ever since I first came across the concept of this challenge from the TV documentary ‘Through Hell and High Water’ back in 2007. The size of the task at hand is something you do not get in everyday life and a challenge I have always wanted to accomplish. As for George, he wouldn’t let me do something so ridiculous alone…a true friend! Having spent our university years playing rugby together and subsequently traveling Australia for two months we feel this is the next big adventure for us and we can’t wait to begin!

 

We are proud to continue the legacy created by Elliot Awin, a 2023 rower, and founder of Wave Wrangler. Wave Wrangler is a charity and platform dedicated to building awareness for people living with heart arrhythmia, as well as raising and carefully distributing funds to assisting charities.

We’ve both played rugby from a young age, and therefore understand the ever present risk of injury, having experienced our fair share through torn ACL’s and dislocated shoulders. Playing alongside Elliot, the founder of the Wave Wrangler charity, we have come to understand the struggles he has gone through battling and living with his heart arrhythmia. His resilience and dedication to keep living and pushing his own boundaries is inspiring. We are proud to raise awareness and donations on behalf of the charity and show anyone living with the condition that they can achieve great things.

 

Team: Free From the Harbour (CA)

Rower: Meryn Avery & Brianne Savage
Country: Canada
Boat Design: R25
Charity: http://marineanimals.ca/
Social Media: http://freefromtheharbour.ca/

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We each have a deep love of the ocean. Living in the Canadian Maritimes, the ocean is the backdrop of our lives, but we have never left the shelter of the harbour. What happens when you cut your tether to shore and venture into the open ocean? How does that experience test and change you? That’s what we want to find out. That’s why we want to do the row.

It is important to us that we support a local charity whose mission is ocean conservation. Marine Animal Response Society (MARS) serves our communities and is dedicated to on-the-ground marine animal conservation through response, research and engagement. Their work is courageous, important and impactful. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to support them.

Team: Greens2Blue (UK)

Rower: David Knaggs & Richard Larking
Country: United Kingdom
Boat Design: R25
Charity: Maggie’s & Friends of Alfie Martin
Social Media: http://www.greens2blue.co.uk/

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David will have just turned 60 and Richard 59 when the 2025 Challenge starts. They are both qualified solicitors and fathers of two children and are relishing setting themselves such an extreme challenge, seeking to show that age is just a number and that with the required motivation, anything is possible.
David and Richard are closely connected to both these charities. Maggie’s supports people with cancer and their families through a network of centres near hospitals across the UK.
Friends of Alfie was born out of personal tragedy , when in 2002 Fiona and Roger Martin lost their son Alfie. The Charity raises life saving equipment for Yorkshires sickest babies.
Team: Stelantic (CH)

Rower: Steven Gfeller & Anton Flohr
Country: Switzerland
Boat Design: TBC
Charity: TBC
Social Media: http://stelantic.com

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Anton Flohr and Steven Gfeller, friends and rowers from the rowing club of Baden. We grew up rowing in always perfectly flat waters on the river Limmat. After years on national and international regattas, we are now looking for the ultimate challenge in “The World’s Toughest Row“. We are very excited to meet the sport that has been with us all our lives, in a completely new way on the Atlantic.

Team: Hänsel und Gretel (DE)

Rower: Ingrid Gläßer & Walter Gläßer
Country: Germany
Boat Design: R25
Charity: Strahlemaennchen.de  — fulfill the last wishes of children and families with cancer
—  Heilbronner Rudergesllschaft Schwaben -we would like to support in youth promotion and youth work
Social Media: haenselundgretel.org

The German National Flag

WALTER:
My enthusiasm for rowing began at the age of 12, when I was active in junior rowing.

Until today this enthusiasm continues. Likewise for endurance sports, e.g. long-distance events in rowing and cycling.

INGRID:
My heart beats for running and also for cycling.

Throughout the years we have supported each other and now we want to take on this challenge together.

To inspire people to leave their comfort zone and not only dream dreams but also make them come true, even if you are a bit older you can still make a difference!

Trios

The Three Flying Fish (UK)
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Oceanida (MX)
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Team: The Three Flying Fish (UK)

Rower: Anna Dunk, Rowan Dally & Matthew Busby
Country: United Kingdom
Boat Design: R45
Charity: Teenage Cancer Trust
Social Media: TBC

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In 2021, Anna’s father rowed the Atlantic as part of the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge. This inspired Anna, Rowan and Matt to take up the challenge and attempt to become the youngest trio to ever row the Atlantic, along with hopefully beating Dave’s time. The team all formed a friendship through the Royal Air Force Air Cadets, where Anna is a cadet, Mathew is a Corporal and Rowan is a Flight Sergeant. The challenge is sure to push each team member to their limits, mentally and physically. All the members are extremely devoted to the challenge and know its a once in a lifetime experience, something we’ll never forget.
Our Charity, Teenage Cancer Trust is very close to all of our hearts in the team, especially Rowan’s. In 2021, a friend of his in his year at school tragically passed away from cancer. This had a massive effect on his whole year. This event gave us the urge to raise money for people like his friend, so the row became a perfect way to do so. Every day, 10 young people in the UK are diagnosed with cancer. As teenagers, we want to help other kids like us to overcome cancer, by raising as much money as possible for Teenage Cancer Trust.
Team: Oceanida (MX)

Rower: Ana Lucía Valencia, Eugenia Mendez & Andrea Gutiérrez
Country: Mexico
Boat Design: TBC
Charity: Hola soy Violetta (Prevention for gender violence): https://holasoyvioletta.com/, Fondo Guadalupe (Women education): https://fondoguadalupemusalem.org/ , Mares de México (Ocean conservation) :https://www.maresdemexico.com/
Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/oceanida.mx/

Oceanida is an all female team that wishes to encourage and inspire women, specially Mexican women to follow their own callings and cross their own oceans, whatever those are. On the one hand, we are adventure seekers, we dream big, we challenge ourselves, we live for moments of thrill and joy and experiences that make us grow deeply. We wish to experience the beauty and vastness of the ocean and all the power, energy, lessons and life it has to offer. And on the other hand, we want to prove ourselves and other women what we are capable of and what we can achieve with pure determination, discover what our limits are and make an impact in ourselves and our lives. We also want to focus on supporting women to reach their goals, live without violence and move away from the gender norms and restrictions that still dictate mexican society today. And finally we want to prove that you can do all this, and follow your own callings while always considering the health of mother earth and promoting the protection of our oceans and our natural world.

The charities we have chosen focus on supporting women to reach their goals, live without violence and move away from the gender norms and restrictions that still dictate mexican society today. We want to row for those who are already suffering from gender violence as a march and protest for the women empowerment movement. And we also want to open new opportunities to women with less economic possibilities which we believe has a hand in hand with education. Additionally, our crossing, our sweat, our tears and our joy is an offering to all oceans, shedding light on the urgency of their protection and the need for all rowers to recognize themselves as ocean guardians and protectors.

Fours

Merched y Môr (WLS)
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Scotland The Wave (UK)
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Secondoary Fun(UK)
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Anchor Management (UK)
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DeadLegz (UK)
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Atlantic Affair (UK & PL)
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44West (CH)
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Per Ardua 21 (UK)
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Offshoare (DE)
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Team Seneca Navy (US, CA & DE)
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Ebb & Flow (UK)
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The Only Way is Rowing (UK)
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Rowtalia (EE)
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Team: Merched y Môr (WLS)

Rowers: Denise Leonard, Helen Heaton, Liz Collyer & Heledd Williams
Country: Wales
Boat Design: TBC
Charity: RNLI, Action For Children, Popham Kidney Support, Sea Trust Wales
Social Media:
Page: http://www.merchedymor.wales/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MerchedYMor

Why? … To push ourselves beyond the ordinary and to inspire others, especially women, to dream bigger and believe in more.
Who are we? … We are wives, girlfriends, mothers, grandmothers, aunties and sisters who refuse to be limited by social norms. We are outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, educators and leaders who have found a mutual love for rowing (or at least we hope so!). We are Sisters of the Sea. We are Merched y Môr!

Team: Scotland The Wave (GB)
Team: Scotland The Wave (GB)

Rower: Andrena McShane-Kerr, Fiona Deakin, Heather McCallum & Nicola Matthews
Country: Scotland
Boat Design: R45
Charity: SiMBA, RNLI, SCAA; Breast Cancer UK
Social Media: https://scotlandthewave.com/

We are a team of 4 women spanning 4 decades in age who have come together to achieve our collective dream of rowing the Atlantic Ocean. Both Nicky and Fiona are already seasoned rower who bring experience to the team. Whereas Andrena and Heather had never rowed until recently but are eager to learn and improve during the buildup.
Each of us have our own individual reasons as to why we want to row an ocean but ultimately, we all want to push ourselves to achieve this challenge.

Each of the team have chosen a charity that is important to them and hope to raise as much as possible to split equally between these charities. SiMBA was chosen by Andrena after her and her wife lost a baby in pregnancy during lockdown. RNLI was chosen by Nicky as her dad volunteered for this charity during her childhood. SCAA was chosen by Heather as she works with Police Scotland and has first-hand experience on the importance of Air Ambulance to saving lives. Breast Cancer UK was chosen by Fiona as she has had several family members and friends suffer from this preventable disease.

Team: Secondoary Fun (UK)

Rower: Adam Rowlatt, Jamie Kidd, Rhys & James Leetch
Country: UK
Boat Design: TBC
Charity: TBC
Social Media: TBC

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Name: Jamie Kidd
Age: 23
Occupation: Trainee Chartered Accountant
Reason for rowing: Why not? As soon as this was suggested to me I immediately knew I wanted to do it, and that I’d regret it for the rest of my life if I didn’t. This challenge of a lifetime will be a journey of self-discovery for all 4 of us and will help others through sponsorship and donations. To quote from my favourite film Kung Fu Panda: “If you only do what you can do, you will never be more than you are now”.

Name: Rhys
Age: 27
Occupation: Carpenter
Why I want to do the TWAC: When someone says they’re looking for a fourth team member to row 3000miles across the Atlantic, well you can’t really say no to that, can you? It’ll change my life forever and I’ll learn more about myself and my depth of resilience than I ever have. Plus, I had nothing else planned

Name: James Leetch
Age: 23
Occupation: Researcher
Reason: Errr… I’m not sure! You’d have thought this question would be easy to answer, but it wasn’t! My lack of obvious reponse tells me that this is going to be a HUGE adventure into the unknown!
Having little idea what collective fortitude it will take to carry our team safely across an ocean in a tiny rowing boat is a unique opportunity. Let’s go find out!
While having an adventure ourselves, I can’t wait to bring as many people as possible along with us and to use the enthusiasm of our supporters for good.
As Adam wisely said in anticipation of our Welsh 3000ers attempt: “my legs are starting to ache thinking about this”.

Name: Adam Rowlatt
Age: 22
Occupation: Student
Why I want to do the TWAC: I remember the day when 12 year old me stumbled across the Atlantic rowing race. I remember thinking what a phenomenal challenge it was. However, in my 12 year old mind I never thought it would be possible to actually compete in the race. Fast forward ten years and I’ve met 3 other amazing nutters who I have the privilege to share a unbelievable journey and adventure with as we embark on our mission to compete in the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge  2025.

Team: Atlantic Affair (UK & PL)

Rower: Natasha Brown, Julia Lipecki, Henry Eastick & Ben Cornwell
Country: United Kingdom & Poland
Boat Design: R45
Charity: Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice and Project Seagrass
Social Media: https://atlanticaffair.co.uk/

We are Atlantic Affair, a team of friends joined together through the love for rowing and longing for adventure. We all met through Maidenhead Rowing Club and instantly became good friends. With a combined 18 years of competitive rowing experience, we were all looking for a new type of challenge, so when one of us threw the idea in the air – “let’s row the Atlantic” – there were no hesitations.

We are a team of ordinary people trying to complete the extraordinary. Central to our journey is our goal to raise awareness and funds for two amazing UK based charities – Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice, a local charity providing vital support to children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions across Berkshire, and Project Seagrass, an environmental charity devoted to the conservation of global seagrass ecosystems which are essential to keeping our oceans and planet healthy.

Team: Anchor Management (UK)

Rower: Craig Smith, Sarah Tebbett, Sammi Woodward & Tim Hodgkinson
Country: United Kingdom
Boat Design: TBC
Charity: McMillan Cancer Support
Social Media: http://www.anchor-management.co.uk

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So why do we want to do the row? Because when you see something that excites you and scares the hell out of you at the same time it’s just got to be done.

We’ve chosen McMillan because not only are they a fantastic charity and worthy of the support but they helped both Craig & Sarah’s families during their darkest times.

Craig’s Dad had Non Hodgkins Lymphoma and sadly passed away when Craig was just 19, his mum and his younger brother will be forever in their debt for the help and support that McMillan offered at that time.

And 7 years ago Sarah was diagnosed with Breast cancer, with 3 young children McMillan offered the family support whilst she underwent surgery and chemotherapy along with a year of further treatment. 

Their support helped Sarah go on to make a full recovery.

Team: DeadLegz (UK)

Rower: Rob Oliver, Matt Humphries, Peter Yersin & Kevin Joynes
Country: United Kingdom
Boat Design: R45
Charity: Mind & Devon Air Ambulance Trust
Social Media: https://www.deadlegz.co.uk/

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DeadLegz was founded on the principle that ordinary people can do extraordinary things. That’s all we are. We aren’t out to prove we are better, we are out to prove that anyone can do extraordinary things when the time calls. Every challenge we do supports charities that mean a lot to us personally. With such a personal connection, it helps spur us on towards our end goal. Rowing across the Atlantic Ocean will test our mental toughness to the limit, as well asinspire us to get in the best physical shape of our lives.

Mind is a charity which is close to the hearts of each of our crew members, all of whom have experience of mental ill health in one form or another. We want to help keep the fight for better mental health on the agenda. The Devon Air Ambulance Trust (DAAT) helped save the life of Peter, one of our crew members, when he was involved in a serious motorcycle accident in the summer of 2022. DAAT receive no Government funding and are entirely reliant on donations and public fundraising, which we would be delighted to support.

 

Team: 44West (CH)

Rower: Julian Müller, Luca Fayd’herbe de Maudave, Lorenzo Henseler & Matthias Fernandez Garcia
Country: Switzerland
Boat Design: TBC
Charity: TBC
Social Media: http://www.44west.ch

The Swiss national flag

Our team consists of four daring rowers who are ready to go beyond the limits of the Swiss lakes for an unforgettable adventure. Our mission is to accomplish something extraordinary that no one around us has ever managed before. Our idea may seem crazy to some, but for us it is a chance to realize our dreams and prove to ourselves that we are capable of making the impossible possible.

We are convinced that our project will inspire not only us, but also young people from our generation to pursue their own goals and overcome their limitations. We want to show that it is worth being brave and fighting for what you believe in. We are ready to face the upcoming challenges.

We hope that our project will encourage people to have their own adventures and make dreams come true.

Team: Per Ardua 21 (UK)

Rower: Matt Stowers, Mark Jacklin, Andy Calame & Guy Jacklin
Country: United Kingdom
Boat Design: Rossiters
Charity: Centurion Fund
Social Media: TBC

Union Jack

For two members of the team 2025 will be the 21stAnniversary of their first Atlantic rowing crossing and they want to mark the occasion by ‘doing it all again’; but quicker and to enjoy the experience this time! Building up to the start of the race we want to test our ability to plan/execute a demanding campaign and then, during the event, test our physical/mental robustness. Want to prove that the diverse nature of the team, a. rank range from Air Commodore to Air Specialist 1, b. mix of RAF Regular and Reserve personnel and c. father and son, will work when faced with the challenges rowing the Atlantic provides. Furthermore, we aim to inspire serving and future generations of RAF personnel to strive to achieve their highest potential and participate in future World’s Toughest Row’s.

The RAF Regt Centurion Fund exists to commemorate and remember those who have lost their lives or suffered injury or put themselves at risk of loss of life or injury during their time in the Service. The Fund also provides support to RAF Regiment members, past and present, when in need or urgent assistance is required. We chose to support the Centurion Fund to repay them for the support they have provided to our colleagues over the years and for their patronage of Per Ardua 21.

Team: Offshoare (DE)

Rower: Jana Golz, Clara Düntsch, Jana Stahl & TBC
Country: Germany
Boat Design: TBC
Charity: TBC
Social Media: http://www.offshoare-rowing.com/

The German National Flag

Crossing an ocean in a rowing boat is an incredible journey that fills us with excitement. It’s the ultimate challenge that gets our hearts racing! Joining the world’s toughest row allows us to dream big and embark on an adventure of a lifetime. What makes it even more exhilarating is the fact that we are an all-female team, breaking barriers and inspiring others to push beyond their limits.

This challenge is a stark contrast to our everyday lives, offering a unique opportunity to push and to get to know ourselves in ways we never thought possible. We thrive on thinking outside the box and stepping outside our comfort zones, qualities that will undoubtedly serve us well during our lengthy voyage on the water. Our love for the ocean and passion for the great outdoors make this oceanic crossing a dream come true and we cannot wait to see what this journey holds for us!

PS: We are still looking for a fourth team member – don’t hesitate to get in touch if you feel this could be you!

Team: Team Seneca Navy (US, CA & DE)

Rower: Anthony Carella, Moritz Marchart, Ryan Mulfur & David Ranney
Country: United States, Canada, Germany
Boat Design: R45
Charity: The Boys and Girls Club
Social Media: https://www.senecanavy.com/

It is of astronomical coincidence that the four of us attended a college of less than 2000 students in Upstate New York together.  Rowing on our college team, we soon found a common thread in how we approached challenges and qualified the lessons that obstacles presented. We derived, from experience, that actively chasing obstacles together brought us closer to who we wanted to be as individuals and as a community. For this reason, we have chosen to trade flat water for the open ocean and put our oars to work for a great cause in The World’s Toughest Row.”

“In order to promote the collective pursuit of opportunities for leadership, personal growth, and character development, Team Seneca Navy has chosen to partner with our respective hometown and college town chapters of the Boys and Girls Club. The Boys & Girls Clubs of America had its beginnings in 1860 with four women in Hartford, Connecticut.  Believing that boys who roamed the streets should have a positive alternative, they organized the first Club. With character development as the cornerstone of the experience, the Club focused on increasing personal expectations and goals of the neighborhood youth.”

Team: Ebb & Flow (UK)

Rower: Julie Eddicott, Martin Stewart, Mary Sutherland & Sally Percival
Country: United Kingdom
Boat Design: R45
Charity: St. James’s Place children’s foundation, Lewis Manning Hospice, Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust
Social Media: https://www.ebbflowatlantic.com/

Our Skipper, Julie, has been watching teams cross the finish line for nearly 10 years. As a rower and sailor she set about putting a talented team together who all had a dream to do this row at some point in their lives. After a lot of hard work the team finally formed.

Each athlete has chosen a charity that resonates with them personally and that they are actively involved with.

Team: The Only Way is Rowing (UK)

Rower: Kate Crosby, Sheila McGhee, Jo Murray & Clare Taylor
Country: United Kingdom
Boat Design: R45
Charity: Rewilding Britain and The Wilderness Foundation
Social Media: TBC

Like all best made plans, ours was born in the pub!

 Through a shared love of the sea, an ambition to do life differently after 50 and a desire to give back to future generations, we have decided to row an ocean!

This will not only be a huge physical challenge but a mental one too.  It will involve a lot of hard work, sacrifice, and investments over the next two years, but it is also our chance rediscover who we are and who we want to be in the future.

We are four very different women, but we are united in our determination at this stage of life not to let go of our dreams, our ambitions, and our sense of who we really are.  By taking on this challenge, we hope to empower others to achieve and push themselves to be the spirited warriors we know they can be, whatever their quest or stage in life. To show everyone what we, and they, are capable of!

We will also be raising money for two incredible charities, Rewilding Britain and The Wilderness Foundation.  This is not only to help protect, re-wild and regenerate our fragile planet for future generations, but also to help others in difficult circumstances have similar opportunities to make positive changes to their lives, regardless of which part of life’s journey they find themselves upon. It is our bit to try and leave people and places better than we find them.

When the race begins everyone in the boat will be over the age of 50, some of us over 60, showing everyone, no matter their age, they can achieve amazing things.

Team: Rowtalia (EE)

Rower: Arnold Rein Tatunts,  Karl Jürgenstein, Andres Käosaar, Kait Kaarel Puss
Country: Estonia
Boat Design: TBC
Charity: Peaasi (Promotes mental health) ; TÜK Lastefond (Support the treatment of rare diseases in children)
Social Media: Website

The first Estonian team to compete in this race! Our team consists of talented people looking for challenges, three of us are PhD students and one education innovator.

Finding activities to spice up our everyday life is the major connection between all of us. May that be mountain climbing, motorcycling in the woods, marathons or mental challenges.

All of us have our own specific motivations.

Kait sees it as a way defeat his laziness and create discipline, otherwise the entire crossing will be torture, it still will be, but with a smile. Getting comfortable only leads to unhappiness.

Andres wishes to experience the discomfort of prolonged isolation and confinement and prove to himself that he can achieve whatever he decides is worth achieving.

Arnold Rein wishes to be a role model for his son – to show that everyone can decide what is possible for them.

Karl wants to do something that scares him, since it is his main pastime hobby.

All of us believe that participating and completing the race is an opportunity to experience something great and unique which at the same time provides the opportunity to inspire other Estonians to dream big. 

Our crossing is supporting two Estonian charities, first is dealing with promoting mental health, the second is helping children with rare diseases. These were chosen due to their importance to our individual members.

Fives