We get asked a lot, “Why 2026? Why is the race so far away?” And it’s a fair question.
At first glance, it might seem like plenty of time, but the truth is, rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic is a challenge that requires years of preparation—both on and off the water.
When we entered the World’s Toughest Row – Atlantic in the summer of 2023, we knew it wasn’t just about signing up for a race. It was about embarking on a journey that would push us physically, mentally, and emotionally, while also building a campaign capable of raising vital funds for the cancer charities close to our hearts:
So why does it take so long? Let’s break it down.
The Timeline of Our Journey so far:
June 2023: We officially entered the race. That marked the beginning of building our team identity, researching the enormous logistics involved, and laying the foundation for our campaign.
Summer & Autumn 2023: We established ourselves as the Coastal Commanders and launched our website and social media to start sharing our story. This was also the time to map out a fundraising strategy—no small task when aiming for £150,000!
Winter 2023/24: We began searching for the right boat and purchased Freedom, our ocean rowing vessel. This was a critical milestone that made the challenge feel very real.
2024: This year has been a whirlwind. From securing our first sponsors to intensive training sessions, completing our pre-requisite training courses and planning campaign events, the momentum has steadily grown. We’ve also engaged with the community and started raising awareness for our charities.
What's Next:
2025: The real grind begins. This is the year Freedom makes her way back to us after completing her first crossing of the Atlantic with another crew. Once she arrives, she becomes ours to call home. We’ll start to really get to know her, training out on the water in Plymouth Sound. From practice rows to adapting to life onboard, every session will help us fine-tune our skills and prepare for the real thing. Alongside our training, 2025 will also be about the final push to bring together all our sponsors, followers, colleagues, and supporters. It’s about harnessing the growing excitement and momentum to drive as much as we can into our fundraising campaigns for Young Lives vs Cancer and Move Against Cancer.
2026: Launch year. By the time we step onto Freedom and push off into the Atlantic, we’ll have spent three years preparing for this moment. But the work doesn’t stop there. In the lead-up to the race, we’ll continue rallying our community, ensuring every ounce of support translates into tangible impact for the families who need it most.
Why It Takes Years to Prepare
Rowing across the Atlantic isn’t something you can cram for. It’s a monumental task that requires:
Team Cohesion: We’re three individuals with unique strengths, but becoming an effective ocean rowing team takes time. From communication to conflict resolution, we’re building the trust needed to thrive under extreme pressure.
Skill Building: Open-ocean navigation, weather analysis, and emergency response training are just a few of the skills we need to master.
Fundraising: Raising £150,000 for campaign costs and our charities takes sustained effort, creativity, and persistence.
Physical and Mental Training: The Atlantic will push our bodies and minds to their limits. Preparing for sleep deprivation, relentless physical strain, and mental fatigue is a long-term commitment.
Boat Preparation: Freedom needs to be outfitted with the right equipment, from solar panels and navigation systems to safety gear. Every detail matters when survival is at stake.
Why It’s Worth the Wait
Taking on the Atlantic isn’t just about rowing from point A to point B. It’s about the journey we’re on now—connecting with our community, sharing stories of resilience, and making an impact for families affected by cancer. Every milestone we hit and every challenge we overcome strengthens our resolve to take on the Atlantic in 2026.
So when people ask, “Why 2026?” we tell them: because rowing an ocean takes time. And the wait will be worth it.
Follow our journey on our website and social media as we prepare for the adventure of a lifetime.
Together, we can turn this race into a platform for hope, change, and action.
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