2025 Race Entrants

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 World’s Toughest Row at the age of 70, my thoughts then were, if he can row an ocean why cant I. I will be 67 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 World’s Toughest Row, however, they will be able to join me, in spirit, as part of the Old See Dogs team.

We are Team Seas Life and we cannot wait to take on this adventure. We have an interesting team in that three of us have climbed Everest, One of us has played rugby for England and one of us has rowed the Atlantic and the Indian Ocean before. We hope to raise as much money as possible for our various charities; we hope to complete the row safely and we hope that we are still all friends by the time we reach the other side! The sleep deprivation, skin rashes, the physical endurance, sea sickness, the heat and the sun will all test us mentally and physically. No turning back now….. let’s go!

It’s difficult to give a definitive answer as to why I’m participating in WTR2025. In recent years, I’ve fallen in love with extreme adventures that allow me to discover new parts of the world. It has become an undeniable part of my life, and the adrenaline rush that comes with it is indescribable. With healthy stress, I will start in my RX25 in the 2025 fleet to brave the ocean in the fastest time possible. And all this to raise money for cancer research by the Leuven Cancer Institute. Follow the adventure on my Instagram @thomasvanwoensel !

I’m Milli Abrams, and I’m about to take on the Atlantic—solo. Five feet tall, almost fifty, and more at home with a knitting needle and a spreadsheet than an oar, I’m diving into a challenge that’s as wild as it sounds.

My spark? A chance meeting with an ocean rower that lit up something fierce in me.

I’m not just crossing an ocean; I’m rebelling against every voice (real or imagined) that says I can’t. Having sailed the world with my family and traded corporate finance for wooly entrepreneurship, I’m ready to push my limits, celebrate resilience, and raise money for causes that matter: C.H.A.S. and The 2 Minute Foundation.

This journey is for everyone who dares to dream—and, let’s be honest, for me too.

By the time my solo crossing begins, I’ll be 55. My participation in the 2025 WTR will be my second Atlantic crossing, the first in an independent row four years’ ago.

The row is a tribute to my brother Michael who fought relentlessly against a brain tumour. He passed away in February 2018. His passion for life and ‘never give up’ attitude has inspired me to take on this challenge to myself inspire people to do the same –keep on fighting and never give up however hard it is.

My aim for the row is to raise awareness around loneliness among young and old people, and also animals. It’s debilitating and very hard to overcome, and it’s even worse when you are lonely in a crowd. If you have some spare time, call or message someone, a friend, colleague, or a relative.

I would like to raise awareness about Margerita – The musical theatre for a cause in aid of cancer support. This is a group of young actors in Malta who don’t ask for handouts but put up shows and donate all proceeds to charity. Start by following them on Facebook and Instagram, continue by going to their shows. You’ll enjoy it and will help others in the process.

Sport has shaped my entire life – from my motivation and friendships to my determination to never give up. I discovered triathlon at 16 after watching the Ironman in Hawaii and went on to compete in more than twenty Ironman races, including four qualifications for Hawaii and a best result of 54th in 2011.

Now it’s time for a new challenge: rowing solo across the Atlantic in the World’s Toughest Row 2025. Covering 4,800 km from La Gomera to Antigua, this adventure is not a midlife project, but a lifelong dream – a test of endurance, resilience, and spirit.

I hope to inspire my children, Sacha and Lilou, to believe that with determination, anything is possible – you can move mountains or even row an ocean.

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

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.

During the row, Taryn will represent Girls on the Run, a non-profit that empowers girls through athletics. Through a running based curriculum, Girls on the Run teaches girls teamwork skills, how to cultivate inner strength, and critical thinking. The world is a better place when girls compete in athletics and Taryn is thrilled to be a part of this new wave in women’s sports.

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.

Watching the row over the past number of years has stirred an indescribable feeling within, which left no option but to get involved. It’s time for a challenge like no other!

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 World’s Toughest Row 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!

Three extraordinary individuals. One vast ocean. A mission that transcends endurance.

Call to Earth is not just a rowing expedition across the Atlantic it’s a rallying cry for climate action, ocean health, and the urgent need to transition to clean energy. At the heart of this bold campaign are three deeply driven adventurers: Stacey, Jonno, and Em.

Stacey is a dedicated athlete adventurer, former commercial diver and offshore sailor whose life has always been tethered to the sea. Today, she leads innovation in deep tech robotics, working at the cutting edge of green energy to accelerate the shift to a sustainable future. Her journey isn’t just across the ocean it’s about amplifying the voices of our planet, raising awareness of climate change and the critical importance of protecting our oceans. With a background in engineering and a career in high-impact technologies, Stacey embodies the fusion of purpose, innovation, and action. Jonno, once a pilot and banker, is now a nursery owner with a sharp business mind and a fierce competitive edge honed through years of offshore sailing and skiing. His adventurous spirit drives him forward but it’s his belief in leading by example that powers his presence on the team. For Jonno, this crossing is about more than physical endurance. It’s about showing what’s possible when bold ambition meets a cause worth fighting for. Em is a force of nature, an adventurer, former RAF officer, and seasoned ocean rower. Known for her unbreakable grit, Em was the last woman on the last helicopter out of Camp Bastion, Afghanistan. She raised £92,000 for the Air Cadets with a solo Atlantic attempt and went on to skipper an all-female team of six around Great Britain, smashing the existing world record by a full week. Her mission is clear: to push the boundaries of human endurance and inspire the next generation through courage, resilience, and meaningful action.

Together, these three are united not just by their love for the sea, but by a shared conviction: that bold action can spark global change. They are proving that with determination, experience, and heart, ordinary people can take on extraordinary challenges and in doing so, shine a light on the most urgent issues facing our planet.

This is Call to Earth. This is their story.

This December, two seasoned ocean adventurers will embark on an extraordinary journey to test the limits of human resilience, celebrate the power of homecoming, and inspire communities across two continents. They will row across the Atlantic… and back again!
Dawn Smith BEM (Founder of Row Aurora) and Paul Lore (Founder of Oarsome Expeditions) are taking on their most ambitious challenge yet — a transatlantic journey that will redefine endurance and adventure.
Dawn holds two world records, has completed five ocean crossings (so far), and achieved two World’s Toughest Row race wins. Highly respected in the maritime world, she is also a Yachtmaster Examiner.
Paul has completed two ocean crossings (so far), spent thousands of hours at sea on vessels of every kind, and brings vital experience from his time in the military and as an air traffic controller — where calm under pressure is second nature.
Together, they are the dream team: a powerful combination of experience, skill, and determination capable of tackling whatever the ocean throws at them.
Our Four Pillars of Purpose:
1. Raise awareness and vital funds for our chosen charities — Phoenix Heroes, Penny’s Flight, and K9s for Warriors.
2. Connect communities across continents.
3. Champion ocean awareness and sustainability.
4. Share our knowledge and experience to help others pursue their own adventures.
“This isn’t just an expedition — it’s proof that no ocean is too wide, no dream too big, and that age or background should never be a barrier to adventure. There are no limits.”
— Dawn Smith
Join us as we navigate ‘The Big Loop’ — from the Canary Islands back to the UK via Antigua and Florida, starting in December 2025.
• Leg 1: December 2025 — La Gomera to Antigua (World’s Toughest Row)
• Leg 2: February 2026 — Antigua to Florida (Independent)
• Leg 3: June 2026 — Newfoundland, Canada to the UK (Independent)
Get ready for an unforgettable ocean adventure — this is The Big Loop!

Jooles is a Mum to two children aged 15 and 11,  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 16 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. Jooles is now a Pilates Mat &Reformer instructor which will hopefully put her in a strong position in terms of being injury proof.

Ian is a Dad of one teenage daughter. Like most kids in the 70s and 80s he spent his 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 World’s Toughest Row 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 3 charities overall.

– LOROS

LOROS is 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.

– The River’s Trust

The Rivers Trust is a UK-wide environmental charity dedicated to protecting and restoring the nation’s rivers for both people and wildlife. Working with over 60 member trusts, they champion wild, healthy, natural rivers that are valued by all. From tackling pollution and flooding to supporting biodiversity and climate resilience, The Rivers Trust delivers data-driven, community-focused solutions that make a lasting impact. In 2024 alone, their efforts reached thousands of individuals and habitats, helping to safeguard freshwater ecosystems and reconnect communities with the rivers that sustain them.

– My Name’5 Doddie Foundation

The My Name’5 Doddie Foundation is a UK charity founded by rugby legend Doddie Weir OBE following his diagnosis with Motor Neuron Disease (MND) in 2017. Driven by his determination to help others and accelerate research, the Foundation is committed to creating a world free of MND. It funds pioneering scientific studies, supports families affected by the disease, and raises awareness through high-profile campaigns and events. To date, it has invested over £19.5 million into research and provided more than £2 million in support grants, making a profound impact on the MND community.

Coming Soon!

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; World’s Toughest Row 2025 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

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!

Fraser and Kirill met while working at Augusta & Co in London, a business dedicated to supporting the growth of the renewable energy sector. Both are avid scuba divers and fishermen, and have seen first-hand the damage of overfishing and marine pollution to our oceans – a key reason why they are passionate about raising awareness and funds for marine conservation.

When he’s not in the office, Fraser runs ultramarathons and competes in Ironman triathlons across the world, testing his endurance on land.

Kirill is a long-distance swimmer, former competitive water-polo player and father of three, balancing training with family life.

Together they are “GoneFishin”, and in December 2025 they will row as a duo as part of the World’s Toughest Row. Their goal is to raise over £250,000 in support of the Blue Marine Foundation, while inspiring others to take action for the health of our oceans.

Both are hugely excited to bring you on this journey with them – from the first strokes of training to the final miles at sea. Follow them on the social/website links above!

Coming Soon!

We are Beth and Jess, an adventurous pair from the UK. Well versed in extreme and endurance sport, we have signed up to the Worlds Toughest Row to test our physical bodies, beat the world record and raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing alongside our charity partner The Wave Project. We are looking to conduct research into extreme sports as we take on this challenge to drive an understanding of our bodies and brains under extreme conditions.

We are working with The Wave Project, a charity dedicated to improving the mental health and wellbeing of young people through the power of surf therapy. Through our Gold Sponsor, we are also looking for another charity sponsor to support us.

Meet Ben and Henry, two mildly competent oarsmen with big ambition! Thus far, we’ve tackled the Thames as river rowers in Maidenhead, but now have our sights set on rowing the Atlantic in aid of raising £50,000 for Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice.

When Ben isn’t in a boat, you’ll find him engrossed in an adventure book pondering the life of turtles under the sea or building LEGO.

“This is an epic challenge, and the journey to the start line is as exciting as the prospect of taking on the Atlantic itself. The people I’ve met have been truly inspiring and the team at Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice are incredible. It’s an honor to be working with them and to utilize this challenge to make a positive impact in my local community.”

Happiest in either a wetsuit or a pair of wellies, Henry tries to spend much of his time outside  and on the water.  With a couple of screws loose, Henry is well adapted to rowing an ocean.

“Sailing the Atlantic would have been too easy, so here we are about to row it. I’m sure I’ll live to regret saying that when we’re being spun round like a washing machine but rowing presents the ultimate adventure. We have a fantastic cause to motivate us and the possibility of making a real difference”

Our team is the Three Flying Fish. We met in Air Cadets over 6 years ago and came up with the idea to row the Atlantic after Anna’s father completed it in 2021. We came up with the idea when Anna was 15 years old, and Rowan was 17. Now, Anna is 18 and Rowan is 20, and we have another teammate called Harry who is 19.

Our first, and most important aim we want to achieve, is to inspire the next generation. We believe that if you have a dream, and work incredibly hard to achieve it like we have, you can do anything. We want to get this message to all the kids in the UK that they should dream big!

Our second aim is to raise much needed awareness and funds for our charity partner Teenage Cancer Trust. We know not every kid is in the same position as us, due to factors outside of their control. So, for us, raising funds so teenagers have the chance to dream is of massive importance.

Our third aim is breaking our world record, the Youngest Team to row any Ocean. This will help us to show other young people anything is possible!

This challenge is deeply personal for me. In 2024, my wife Nia and her friend Pammie took on the same adventure, showing extraordinary resilience as they crossed the Atlantic. I’ll do my best to continue the Lightship legacy with a mission to give back. It’s my turn to take up the oars and aim to prove what one person can do when driven by purpose.

I’m rowing to raise vital funds for Wales Air Ambulance, a charity that provides lifesaving emergency medical care across Wales – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Their crews reach people in their most critical moments, often in remote places that can’t be reached otherwise. Every donation helps them continue that incredible work, saving lives and supporting families when every second counts. This row is my way of saying thank you and shining a light on their amazing work.

My mission is simple – get to Antigua safely and raise as much money and awareness as I can for such a worthwhile cause. There will be blisters, exhaustion, challenging weather and days when the ocean feels endless – but every stroke will carry the weight of a cause that truly matters.

We are Emil, Nicklas, and Oliver. We are motivated by living out our dreams. By pushing our human boundaries and inspiring people to defy the worries that many dreams bring. We live in a society where many are busy tearing each other down rather than building each other up. We believe that many people need healthy role models who illuminate and highlight the many possibilities instead of the few limitations. We want to make it clear that with faith and courage come great rewards, and that the journey begins the moment we push our chest forward and decide to move toward the dream. To plan a strategy, to visualize it, followed by execution — all while fully aware that you might get your fingers burned. The big difference between achieving the dream or not lies in our approach to resistance.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

The FA25 team is set to make history as the first-ever all–Other Rank (OR) military crew to take on and complete the World’s Toughest Row – Atlantic. This marks the first time a military team made up entirely of junior ranks will attempt this incredible challenge. Every member of the crew began this journey as a complete novice, proving that with the right mindset, anything is possible.

Our team ethos — Empower, Believe, Achieve — drives everything we do. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to inspire the next generation of junior leaders to push boundaries, embrace challenge, and realise their full potential.

As we row across the Atlantic, we are proud to be supporting three incredible charities:
•     Royal Artillery Charitable Fund (RACF) – A vital lifeline for Gunners and their families, providing support and assistance in times of need.
•     Jessie May Children’s Hospice at Home – Delivering compassionate nursing care to terminally ill children within the comfort of their own homes.
•     The 12 Trust – A newly founded charity dedicated to supporting 12 Regiment soldiers, veterans, and their families through welfare, hardship relief, and community spirit. Run entirely by volunteer trustees, every donation makes a tangible difference.

Together, we row not just for ourselves, but for our Corps, our community, and the causes that matter most.

The crew includes father-son duo Greg and Elliot Collins, Will Towning, and Christopher Betts, only 6 month ago they were all strangers but a team drawn together by a shared vision of resilience and impact. They are rowing in aid of the Matt Hampson Foundation, a UK charity that supports young people seriously injured through sport, helping them to “get busy living” through rehabilitation, community, and confidence-building.

HMS Oardacious is the Royal Navy’s pioneering ocean-rowing initiative, embarking on its fifth Atlantic crossing in 2025. This year’s crew – Rich Purdy, Liam Hoddy, Guy Wilton, and Addi Taylor – will take on the “World’s Toughest Row” to raise awareness for mental wellbeing and to support the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC), which delivers exceptional support to serving personnel, veterans, and their families. Since 2020, HMS Oardacious has inspired millions, promoted resilience and STEM, and raised over £1,000,000 for charity. The 2025 crew aims to showcase the skill, determination, and adaptability of Royal Navy people and teams, demonstrating the power of human–machine teaming to overcome extreme challenges.

The Ocean Mavericks are a proudly South African team, united by a shared passion for the ocean, a love of endurance, and a drive to push boundaries. Now, they come together to take on the Atlantic, driven not only by the thrill of the journey but by a desire to inspire others to believe that with determination and grit, anything is possible. For the Ocean Mavericks, this row is more than just a personal triumph — it’s about inspiring hope and proving that with hard work, we can make a lasting impact on our oceans and communities in South Africa.

The team extends heartfelt thanks to DITH, Investec, Tyremart, and African Logistics Services for their financial support in helping them get to the start line.

During the crossing, the Mavericks will be raising awareness and fundraising for the Pondoland Conservation Trust (PCT), which works to protect one of South Africa’s last wild frontiers through conservation, rewilding, and community-led initiatives.

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.

Name: Adam Rowlatt
Age: 24
Occupation: PhD Student
Location: Liverpool, UK

Name: Jamie Kidd
Age: 24
Occupation: Graduate Accountant
Location: Stamford, UK

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.

We all come from a sporting background, all having played rugby to various levels. Henry played professionally for Harlequins and has a marathon under his belt. Adam has run elite level marathon times and an Ironman. Sam has completed marathons, an Ironman and has years of sailing experience.

We have two key goals for this challenge:
1) Raise as much money as possible for charity.
2) Complete the challenge as mates with smiles on our faces.