Twice the grit: Two more military teams earn title of World's toughest row finishers
After weeks of sleep deprivation, physical and mental exhaustion and towering 40ft waves, two teams comprised of UK Armed Forces personnel can proudly claim the title of finishers of the World's Toughest Row.
Per Ardua 21 successfully completed the demanding 3,000-mile race across the Atlantic in a time of 44 days, six hours, and 46 minutes, while hot on their heels, team Force Atlantic crossed the finish line in 45 days, 11 hours, and 48 minutes.
Not only did both teams highlight the unwavering discipline of the Armed Forces to push themselves to the limit, but helped spread awareness and raised vital funds for forces charities.
Per Ardua 21
The team comprises Group Captain Andy Calame, Air Commodore Matt Sowers, Wing Commander Mike Dewar, and Squadron Leader Mark Jacklin – an intrepid group with an average age of 56, making them among the oldest competitors taking on the race.
For Air Cdre Matt Sowers and Sqn Ldr Mark Jacklin, the challenge represented a return to the Atlantic, having first rowed it together as a duo 21 years ago – hence the team's name.
At the finish line in Nelson's Dockyard, Antigua, Air Cdre Sowers reflected on their crossing in 2004, which took the duo 78 days.
"You can't describe the differences to what we've just done," he said. "If it could go wrong, it did go wrong – including being blown out to sea at the finish line.
"We had one set of oars left, no food, one rowing sea, and we were in bits. So this has been a bit of a return.
"What makes this different is that we got two other mates with us," added Sqn Leader Mark Jacklin. "And that teamwork between us all helped everyone out."
But proving age has no limit, they completed the race almost six days earlier than their expected time of 50 days.
Reflecting on their highs, Wg Cdr Deward said: "You see everything, of everybody, every day, and to have that kind of acceptance and have that willpower and determination to keep going, that was a high point for me."
Their race was in support of the RAF Regiments charity, the Centurion Fund, which provides support to its members past and present.
"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," the team said.
Anyone who would like to support Per Ardua 21 can do so here.
Force Atlantic
Finishing just over a day later, Bombardiers Katie Devine, Olie Cutting, Vicki-Wratten-Wood, and Gunner Emma Mackenzie, who go by the team name Force Atlantic, made history as the first-ever all-Other Rank military crew to complete the World's Toughest Row.
To thunderous applause at the finish line, the team reflected on their unbreakable bond through the incredible feat.
"Because we've worked together and trained together for such a long time, we know each other so well," said Bdr Devine.
“I know how to get them out of their bad moods and what makes them happy – sometimes it is just food out of my snack pack for the day."
She added that the experience was particularly special because they finished not just as friends, but as a family.
Offering his advice to the future Force Atlantic teams, Bdr Cutting said: "Enjoy every moment of it, be present for it, and don't wish it away on the bad days – just go through it."
The team also encountered a few memorable moments with aquatic life along the way.
"Me and Katie [Devine] were rowing, and we saw a big splash. We thought it was a marlin, so we started smashing our oars over the water.
"It was a shark trying to catch a fish – and I smacked it on the head with my oar," Gnr Mackenzie laughed.
Under their team ethos – empower, believe, achieve – Team Atlantic's mission is to inspire junior leaders to push boundaries, embrace challenge and realise their full potential.
The team chose to support three charities: the Royal Artillery Charitable Fund, a vital lifeline for Gunners and their families; Jessie May Children's Hospice at Home, which provides specialist nursing care in the home for children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions; and The 12 Trust, which supports serving soldiers, veterans, and the families of the 12th Regiment.
To support Force Atlantic, follow the link here.
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