Four military teams enter the final stretch of the World's Toughest Row Atlantic challenge
The four military teams taking part in the World's Toughest Row are nearing the end of their 3,000 km journey across the Atlantic Ocean.
All teams have less than 1,000 nautical miles remaining before they reach the finish line in Antigua.
For now, they are enduring the final leg of the row, battling some of the most challenging maritime conditions imaginable.
The race began on 12 December in the Canary Islands, with an estimated six-week duration and now, just over four weeks in, the teams are making significant progress.
The military teams TEAM V3NTURE, Force Atlantic, HMS Oardacious Valkyries and the Oarsome Army Educators are currently over halfway through.
TEAM V3NTURE
The trio of British Army soldiers, who became close friends at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 2019, are storming ahead.
Captain Rob Cross of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, Captain Charlie Newman of 7 Para Royal Horse Artillery, and Captain Rob Treasure of Cyprus-based 1st Battalion the Rifles, set an ambitious goal: to become the first military trio to row across any ocean.
They have less than 500 NM to go and are currently ranked first among the trio teams and seventh overall.
On social media, they expressed their excitement about reaching Antigua in about a week, eagerly anticipating a reunion with supporters.
Oarsome Army Educators
The four officers from the Educational and Training Services (ETS) branch of the British Army are following closely with just under 700 Nm remaining.
Major Dec Lynn (Ireland), Major Graham Doyle (Ireland), Lieutenant Jess Hunter (Australia), and Lieutenant Gian-Luc Angiolini's (UK) mission is to highlight the contributions of the ETS to the Army and raise funds for the Army Benevolent Fund.
Maj Lynn's battle with cancer inspired the endeavour, and he received unwavering support from his teammates.
Their Instagram showcases the incredible sights during the journey.
Force Atlantic
Two groundbreaking teams are rewriting history as the first all-female military crews to attempt the Atlantic crossing.
Force Atlantic's four-woman team is enduring 40° heat, cramped cabins, and gruelling 12-hour rowing shifts.
With 840 Nm left, they are currently second in the women's category, trailing behind Ocean Empower – another British team raising awareness of mental health and wellbeing.
The team includes Captain Imogen O'Brien of 22 Multi-Role Medical Regiment, Major Rebecca Glover of 1 Medical Regiment, Warrant Officer 1 Sheridan Lucas MBE of 6 Regiment RLC, and Corporal Emma Gibb, a nurse at DPHC in Tidworth – they are the Army's first all-female team taking on the World's Toughest Row.
On Instagram, Cpl Gibb has described the toll fatigue takes on their daily lives aboard their vessel, Rosie.
HMS Oardacious Valkyries
The Portsmouth-based team is hot on the heels of Force Atlantic and has just 860 Nm remaining.
They've recently been spotted from space and shared a picture of the boat taken by Maxar Technologies, one of the team's sponsors.
The crew consists of Petty Officer Aaby Aldridge, Lieutenant Commander Ali Aindow, Lieutenant Commander Izzy Warlinson, and Lieutenant Commander Nic Hall.
The team recently shared their morale-boosting Treat Tuesday tradition on social media.
They also paid tribute to their vessel, Captain Jim – the boat is named after James Simpson (known as Jim) who joined the Royal Navy as a Warfare Officer before subsequently becoming a Marine Engineer Submariner.
In 2020, Jim's family, friends and colleagues were left devastated when he took his own life sending "shockwaves through the entire submarine community".
Now, HMS Oardacious Valkyries and Captain Jim are making history by becoming the Royal Navy's first-ever military female team to attempt to row the Atlantic.
The military teams are part of a broader competition featuring 38 teams and 110 rowers from 19 nations.
Each crew's journey highlights not only their physical and mental resilience but also their dedication to raising awareness and funds for meaningful causes.
As the finish line draws closer, the determination and camaraderie of these teams continue to inspire audiences worldwide.
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