The Atlantic Row Expedition Story - Building A High-Performing Team
The Atlantic Row Expedition Story - Building A High-Performing Team
This blog was created during the Atlantic Discovery project I co-founded and completed. It was crafted by creative genius Penny Bird and Camera.
We rowed the Atlantic
“It was truly a beautiful story. I had tears in my eyes a number of times. Thank you for taking your time to not only live the story, but let it be lived by others.Very inspiring. You have encouraged me to be the person I was meant to be, and more.”
TELLING OUR STORY
Exactly one month after successfully completing their 3,000 mile row, the team delivered an honest, powerful account of their journey entitled Atlantic Discovery Uncut to an audience at Swiss Re’s uber-impressive, state-of-the-art auditorium in their brand new headquarters in Zurich.
Cameron explained how a small act of kindness - such as being taught to row by a Urs Steiner on Lake Zurich - can lead to great things.
Compelling and insightful, the team conveyed a little of what they are feeling four weeks after a personal achievement that measures about 10 on the Richter magnitude scale.
The film shown, and the unscripted dialogue, covers how they developed into a high performing team, conflict management, the relentless routine they followed for 40 days, how they overcame adversity and setbacks, ways they motivated themselves and each other when they were at their lowest points, some of the highs and lows they faced, and how they are using their personal and team learnings to live life with meaning, impact and presence. The enthusiastic response from the audience was humbling.
Inspirational, real and meaningful content… It awakened the principle that all people have the ability to do great things.
Isaac explained the challenges of aligning team goals and making sure individual expectations are managed.
INSPIRED TO RAAAH!
When the rowers reach Antigua, it is customary - and probably largely involuntary - that they all light flares on their boat and RAAAH with all the pent up emotion of their achievement. It’s a primal cry of elation, of leaving the ocean and it’s challenges behind them, and facing their families and loved ones as changed people. An incredible, heartmoving sound.
The audience at Swiss Re was moved to RAAAH at the end of the presentation. It was a time-stopping moment.
£28K - WE’RE NEARLY HALF WAY
Our goal remains to meet our fundraising target of £60K for Multiple Sclerosis charities, so we were hugely appreciative to the Swiss Re Foundation for their generous contribution to our fundraising drive.
It was simply VERY EMOTIONAL. Honestly. This is one of those important things in life that really matters. Beyond everything and anything. Impact is GREAT! Thank you for the inspiration. And, say hi to Rose ;-). My aunt is in the same situation, unfortunately.
“A fantastic presentation team and you were just glowing! Your energy, enthusiasm and most importantly your openness and authenticity came across so strongly. You were all inspiring! It would be great if either individually or as a team you were available for team events to share your stories - you have a very powerful message here and it’s so relevant for businesses right now!”
WE ARE AVAILABLE
If you would like us to deliver Atlantic Discovery - Uncut to your business, university or school setting, please get in touch.
Reactions to our first event - based on a 55% response from attendees:
88% ▲ positive state of mind
66% ▲ resourcefulness and creativity
78% ▲ determination and drive
84% ▲ gratitude and appreciation
69% said they are more likely to set themselves more challenging goals.
81% said they are more likely to focus more and make better progress towards achieving their goals.
59% said they are more likely to be decisive, commercially orientated and own the outcome.
84% said they will be more likely to inspire others through their actions.
75% said they are more likely to leverage the diversity and skills of their teams.
Thank you to all the Swiss Re delegates for your wonderful and helpful feedback!
Be part of our story by donating here.
Watch this space @virtualstowaway Penny Bird is a professional photographer and writer documenting Atlantic Discovery's incredible journey.
The final stroke
“If you never try, you will never know what you are capable of.” John Barrow
ATLANTIC DISCOVERY; A TEAM OF HUNDREDS
On Tuesday 22 January 2019, Ben, Cam, Isaac and Jack rowed into English Harbour, Antigua, to complete the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge in sixth place; a time of 40 days, 23 hours and 33 minutes.
It took the four men almost 1,000 hours rowing, nearly 1 million calories, 700 litres of water, 52,000 watts of solar power, unimaginable inner strength and a large dose of humour to row the 3,000 nautical miles, unsupported, from the Canaries to the Caribbean island of Antigua.
They were given an emotional, rousing welcome from their families, friends and the “green team” - a fantastic group of stakeholders from our platinum sponsor Nagico Insurances, on what was undoubtedly the most euphoric moment of all of our lives.
Cameron said that rowing into the harbour to the horns of the super yachts, the cheers, whistles and screams was incredible.
“Isaac was on steering duty so he was facing the crowd when we came in. We were all able to watch his expression mirroring the amazing sight before him and we all felt a surge of indescribable emotion and pride at what the Atlantic Discovery team had achieved together. And, when I say Atlantic Discovery, I don’t mean a team of four rowing an ocean. Atlantic Discovery is a team of hundreds.”
OUR HEARTFELT GRATITUDE
Isaac tried to put into words what he and Cam, Ben and Jack felt about the tremendous, selfless support shown by everyone.
“Our families, our friends, our sponsors, colleagues, supporters, the charity organisations, the media and people we’ve met along the way, have all given a part of themselves to our endeavour. We spent a lot of time talking on our journey about the inspiring and encouraging contributions - in so many forms - that have been made since we started this journey. Everyone who learned about what we were doing has done something to help us. We are so privileged to have been the recipients of all this generosity - it’s a gift that will remain with us all for the rest of our lives. Thank you doesn’t even come close to expressing how we are feeling.”
WELCOME WARMTH
From the first conversation Cameron and I had with Kyria and her Nagico team back in May last year, I have been deeply touched by the continuous flow of warmth, camaraderie and heartfelt touches we have received. I have not experienced anything like it before.
Nagico have been exceptional partners from the start. They embraced our experience wholeheartedly, sending us rowing demo’s, video’s of staff singing to us from their 21 territories across the Caribbean, they honoured the boys with a special welcome event, they included us in their annual client calendar, hand made us memory bracelets and we are proud to have become fast friends. I have learned so much from everyone in this amazing business.
They are genuinely a wonderful team and we couldn’t have asked for a greater sponsor. Nagico have made this experience one that none of us will ever forget.
ONE BIG FAMILY
Nagico’s Chairman Imran McSood Amjad greeted the team as they stepped off the boat: “We are very proud to be associated with Atlantic Discovery. These men have embraced the extreme hardships they have faced at sea and found the strength to triumph. Their resilience and teamwork is commendable - I consider Ben, Cam, Isaac and Jack to be part of the Nagico family.”
“It is also an honour for me to symbolically countersign the Excess of Loss Treaty between Nagico Group and Swiss Re which Cameron signed in the mid-Atlantic in a world first on behalf of Swiss Re.”
OUR CAUSE
The team did the row to raise awareness and £60K (USD 80K) for Multiple Sclerosis (MS), which affects 2.5 million people worldwide. Ben’s mother Rose is the figurehead of the fundraising campaign with hashtag #row4rose and was on the quayside to greet the team.
Ben’s face alight at the sight of his mother and family.
Ben talked about how humbled he was by how much had been raised while they were at sea.
“Penny has been updating us with every name and donation amount made throughout the row. But I had no idea how much had been raised in total and I’m deeply grateful for the wonderful donations made to our cause.
“I know increasing awareness of this condition is difficult to measure, but so many people have come forward to share their personal stories, I hope what we have done has made a difference to understanding this secret disease.
“Finishing this race means our charities will receive extra promised donations from the Hiscox Foundation, Lyme Bay Consulting and a personal donation from Kyria Ali, Group Chief Strategy and Development Officer and the staff of Nagico Insurances, boosting funds raised so far to £24K - 40% of our target.”
Jack continues to think of ways to raise more funds for the cause - his next mission is the Marathon Des Sables and he is thinking of ways to motivate the team to join him. Donations will continue to be graciously accepted.
Be part of our story by donating here.
Watch this space @virtualstowaway Penny Bird is a professional photographer and writer documenting Atlantic Discovery's incredible journey.
The art of crossing an ocean
“Art is a personal act of courage, something that one human does, that creates a change in another.” Seth Godin
A remarkable painting (and my personal favourite) by Alfonso Andériz, Ballena - Whale, oil on canvas, 97 x 130cm - 2018
THE COURAGE OF EXPRESSION
The beautiful Spanish island of La Gomera has been the chosen point of departure for Atlantic crossings for decades, so it’s not surprising that the annual influx of the extraordinary clique of past, present and future rowers, has left an indelible mark on the tiny port of San Sebastián.
As a 2017 and 2018 race observer, I am familiar with the incredible emotional response these exceptional human beings evoke. Watching the tiny boats making their way slowly across the vast expanse of sea, imagining the highs and lows they are facing, feeling the upwelling of gratitude when they arrive safe, but changed forever, on the other side, is a rollercoaster for the watching world.
The Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge inspires imagination and creativity.
THE EXHIBITION
In 2016, a group of local artists in La Gomera began hosting an annual exhibition and we were touched to be invited to attend this event showcasing an array of genres reflecting the emotion of the race depicted in sculpture, photography, literature, music, journalism, painting, drawings, cross-stitch and poetry. Each of the rowers was given a small wooden carving, a talisman to remind them that they “never row alone”.
The gorgeous Grandads of the Atlantic receiving their talisman and good wishes for the row from the artist community in La Gomera.
The artwork is magical and shows the local talent’s deep understanding of the journey the rowers face.
THE MEMORY BOOK
Artist Eduardo J. Castro creates a notebook each year, and collaborates with Alfonso Andériz for the illustrations of the teams and their boats, while Juanma invites all the rowers to record their personal motivation for their journeys. It is a beautiful record of a special time, and they’ve done one each year for the teams.
Two pages are allocated to each team and the boat illustrated. Each team member is then invited to record their personal motivation to row the Atlantic.
THE PHOTOGRAPHY
I have the greatest respect for the two main race photographers Ben Duffy and Ted Martin who are part of the fabric of this event, and who capture the heart and greatness of the rowers in the moments they are at one with the elements. They have both produced iconic photographs over the years which epitomise the magnitude of the participant’s achievements.
“I want each and every rower to look back at their celebration images and know I couldn’t have captured their emotion any better; a true visual representation of exactly how they felt at that moment, knowing they’d rowed an ocean. An image that will inspire them, and all of us, for the rest of our lives, to continue challenging, to continue exploring.” Ben Duffy
Ben Duffy does the official pre-race photograph for Atlantic Discovery.
THE TRADITION AT THE BLUE MARLIN
Almost a rite of passage, rowers scribe their names on the wall in the Blue Marlin Taberna - a local bar and eatery on the edge of the main plaza in San Sebastián. Studying the artwork gives one a sense of the history of these explorers and adventurers.
Look out for Atlantic Discovery on the right-hand top corner of the taberna as you enter the door.
Atlantic Discovery enjoying one of their final cold beers before the start of their row in the shade outside the Blue Marlin Taberna.
THE WRITING
Bruce Parker sent in this poem from South Africa. He penned it during Atlantic Discovery’s crossing.
Atlantic Discovery (Crossing an Ocean)
It started as a rhythm
The proud flash of an oar
Beautifully curved
Disciplined artistic efficient.
Sinews tensing and corded
We happily showed the ocean we could do as we pleased
And a stroke meant we were not there anymore!
Then the jokes more spaced with each in his world
Thinking about thinking.
Was this a universe marred only briefly
By our beetle tracks
Our supreme effort gone in a vanishing swirl?
We pulled harder to see if the swirl lasted longer
It didn’t that we could see.
Who was the master?
Were we only rough and poorly machined cogs fitted into the ocean
And run by the ocean?
Wasn’t this our show, ours to own?
Yes! It was our show and we had an island
Hidden now by distance and an endless skin of blue.
And we were headed there.
No matter how sticky the ocean!
Soon we’d see gulls and rocks and golden sand
And grin in the burning flares of victory.
At last it was quiet and we were at the end
Looking at Ellida with souls torn
For she was as much us as we.
Was this it?
All done and dusted and now to pack?
‘Wasn’t this our show, ours to own, ours to win?’
Standing in the dark
We watched as she rocked on her moorings
Feeling pain as deep as we’ve ever felt
As real as the oar grip our souls would always know.
What have we done?
For sure we made no mark on that great ocean
But we honoured ourselves and those who launched us
Tasted Discovery for sure, became men of the sea and
Made lots of friends, hailed those who helped and
Reached for the imaginings of those who could never follow.
Follow Atlantic Discovery’s journey along the green line. Be part of our story by donating here.
Watch this space @virtualstowaway Penny Bird is a professional photographer and writer documenting Atlantic Discovery's incredible journey.
Aiming for the front page of the internet
They’re salty, scruffy, bearded and exhausted, but they want you to ask them anything so they can raise money for their MS charities on their extreme 3,000 mile row.
ATLANTIC DISCOVERY NOT-SO-FRESH FROM THE SEA
Heard of Reddit*? aka the front page of the internet?
I’m ashamed to say I wasn’t familiar with the workings of the sixth most visited website in the world, until Atlantic Discovery asked me to organise an AMA** (ask-me-anything) from a rather unusual location.
Straight off I asked my friend Google if anyone had attempted an AMA from an ocean rowing boat while on a 3,000 mile extreme row, and I couldn’t seem to find anything…but that figures - my boys love thinking out of the, erm boat!
If this catches on, it would be a fantastic way to create awareness of MS and even boost our fundraising. Fingers crossed.
So, when is it?
Monday 14 January 2019 from 14:00 GMT (10:00 AST) for up to 4 hours. We are accepting questions in advance to try and make it easier for the team, and you can ask questions during the session. We will try and answer as many of your questions as possible during the AMA on Monday.
How do you ask your questions?
via Reddit You need to be a member of the Reddit community. Create your account at www.reddit.com and then click on this link - it’ll take you straight to the session. You’ll also find the link on our Twitter, Facebook and Instagram platforms.
Once you are in the AMA session, just write your question in the comments box and click on “comment”.
via Twitter #AskADAnything You need a twitter account and then just tweet your question to the Atlantic Discovery handle @atlanticdisc18 and include the hashtag #AskADAnything
What should you ask?
Anything! What interests you about rowing an ocean, the food, the sleep, the water, getting on together, nature, sights seen, how they go to the toilet, how they feel, what was hardest, the mental challenge, what made them do it - anything that comes to mind. If your question is specific to one of the team, just write their name (Ben, Cam, Issac or Jack) at the beginning of your message.
How will the team answer the questions?
Two of the team will be on their rowing shift, while two of them answer questions. The answers to your questions will be sent to the land-based reddit-team myself and Jack’s brother George, via an instant messaging platform using a satellite signal. George and I will post the answers - fresh from the Atlantic - on the AMA. Please be patient, in some cases, there may be a bit of a time lapse. Wow. An innovative plan indeed.
Don’t forget to upvote during the AMA
Reddit is run by voting. Upvotes (which are much the same as ‘Likes’) send content to the top of the page - it’s good karma (apparently!).
Looking forward to an interesting, lively session!
*Reddit is a massive community (234 million unique users: February 2018) with different forums or interest groups called subreddits. They are identified with /r/ and then the subject, for example, www.reddit.com/r/oceanrowing
** An AMA is a live Q&A session where interested users are invited to ask, well…anything! Bill Gates and Barak Obama have hosted AMAs, but you don’t need to be famous, just interesting! AMA sessions are held in the subreddit www.reddit.com/r/IAmA.
Follow Atlantic Discovery’s journey along the green line. Be part of our story by donating here.
Watch this space @virtualstowaway Penny Bird is a professional photographer and writer documenting Atlantic Discovery's incredible journey.
World first treaty signing mid-Atlantic
WHEN YOUR OFFICE IS AN OCEAN ROWING BOAT…
Cameron takes the concept of working from home to new levels…
“Risk taking is vital for human progress. People succeed and businesses expand because of our determination to move forward, despite uncertainty.” Swiss Re
Cameron halted his gruelling two-hour rowing shift, 1,000 nautical miles from land, in rolling seas, took out a laminated reinsurance treaty agreement which had been taped, together with a marker pen, to the inside of his tiny cabin, filled in the reinsurance treaty terms advised to him via satellite link earlier in the day, and signed it with a flourish.
CAM MAKES HISTORY WHEN HE SIGNS THE FIRST REINSURANCE TREATY OVER 1,000 MILES FROM LAND
For the past 26 days, Cameron - whose day job is Head of P&C Structured Solutions for Continental Europe at Swiss Re - has been on sabbatical, at sea in a 25 foot ocean rowing boat, battling physical and mental extremes in an endurance event; the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge - aptly named the “World’s toughest row”.
Over the same period, NAGICO Insurances Group - platinum sponsor of Atlantic Discovery - has been working on implementing a reinsurance treaty with reinsurer Swiss Re, which came into effect on the first day of 2019.
Cameron has been one of the 14,000 employees at the world’s second largest reinsurer for 20 years and, in his own words, he has undertaken the most formidable challenge of his life “for epic personal growth - so I can learn what I am capable of - and become a better person.”
He is deeply passionate about people and relationships, so it isn’t entirely unexpected that he came up with the idea that these two entirely separate, but parallel events should meet; in the middle of the Atlantic.
To Cameron, connecting his business life with the personal challenge of a lifetime is simple.
“My symbolic signature - a world-first - made mid-ocean - is in recognition of the exceptional partnership Swiss Re and the NAGICO Insurances Group have built over a number of years,” said Cameron.
“It is also - on a personal level - a gesture to mark and show my deeply felt appreciation for the significant relationship our team, Atlantic Discovery, has built with NAGICO Group Chief Strategy and Development Officer Kyria Ali and the hugely inspiring NAGICO family, through their sponsorship and support of our crossing. From the first moment we engaged in discussions about a sponsorship partnership, I have been humbled by the exceptional calibre of people, level of care, support, inspiration and encouragement which has made our journey unforgettable.
“I am looking very forward to meeting NAGICO’s Chairman Imran McSood Amjad and Kyria when I reach Antiqua - I hope they won’t mind my attire after 40-odd days at sea - and, as soon as Mac has countersigned the treaty, I will insist on buying them both a celebratory drink!”
Who would have thought the insurance industry could be so exciting and inspirational? #anythingispossible
Follow Atlantic Discovery’s journey along the green line. Be part of our story by donating here.
Watch this space @virtualstowaway Penny Bird is a professional photographer and writer documenting Atlantic Discovery's incredible journey.
Isaac's letters
MOTIVATING LETTERS TO SUPPORT FUNDRAISING ROW
25-year-old Claire describes herself as an old soul, a traditional girl.
Her grandmother spent a lifetime writing letters and Claire has always been intrigued by the romance and mastery of penning thoughts and feelings to a perfumed page; the personal touch of sending carefully folded paper, enveloped and stamped, even sealed in wax, to someone special. A traditional, timeless form of artful communication she feels should be preserved.
“I’m not sure if it will work, but to enhance the letters just that little bit more, I have sprayed each one with a different perfume. I’ve heard pleasant aromas can motivate and stimulate the brain, which in hope, will make each day a little brighter. Today’s perfume - ‘Brit Rhythm’ Aromatic & fresh lavender, orange and iris, by Burberry.”
Isaac is pictured front right and Claire is just behind him.
Claire has a passion for baking and works as a Marketing Communications Manager at a catering company in Abu Dhabi. “We both went to Royal Holloway, University of London, but started talking only after we graduated. It’s nice to keep in contact and see the amazing things your classmates are doing around the world.”
When Isaac told Claire that he was going to row the Atlantic to raise awareness for Multiple Sclerosis and raise £60K for a world free of MS, she knew she should take the opportunity to help him from afar. “Letters from a friend when you’re enduring the most challenging journey of your life will hopefully bring comfort and motivation. I felt this was a heaven-sent opportunity to help someone through my writing.” And so began the most wonderful story.
Isaac helping to raise awareness and funds for the MS Society and Berkshire Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre in the summer along the Jurassic Coast. The team’s extreme ocean crossing to raise funds for MS inspired Claire to write the letters.
“I’m writing this letter in a taxi, so please excuse my handwriting… so you want to reminisce, I thought what better way than to show our first and possibly only photo together (sad face emoji goes here), but you know what… I actually remember a lot about this photo. I remember specifically how you changed your position for the photo and came to crouch right in front of me. I must say you look very handsome.”
Claire began writing letters to the team two months before they left. She asked the team the kinds of hardships they would face on the journey, how they would feel at times, and when they would likely need inspiration and encouragement. She wrote until her hand ached. 150 pages of letters, poems, quotations and cards. Letters for when Isaac needs a laugh, motivation, inspiration, a pep talk, courage, for when he feels lonely, and even a card for when he doesn’t feel well.
Pieces of her heart, beautifully penned. Then, there’s a letter for each day of the row. Starting the 12th December, ending 20th January 2019. She also chose a thoughtful little Christmas gift for the team, and a birthday present for Cameron. And then, instead of posting them, she entrusted this generous package of love to a courier, and asked them to deliver the parcel to Isaac in La Gomera, before his departure.
Unfortunately this is where this delightful tale is derailed. Isaac’s letters didn’t arrive on the Spanish island. The courier notifications have listed them as “awaiting delivery”.
“If you’re feeling down, pull yourself up! You don’t get anywhere by staying where you were! You have the skills, you have the tenacity. Now get off your ass and go row faster than you ever have before! With all of my heart, I know you have got this! Claire.”
DELIVERY TO ROWING BOAT MID-ATLANTIC?
The thing is, Claire is no ordinary young lady. She isn’t even slightly deterred by the fact that Atlantic Discovery is somewhere in 3,000 miles of open ocean. Far beyond the horizon. Claire is committed to getting the letters to Isaac and nothing is going to stop her trying to make it happen.
Claire is confident that the letters are going to reach the Atlantic Discovery team and motivate them to complete the row and raise the vital funds for their chosen MS charities.
She rang up the courier company and stood firm that they find and deliver her package.
“How’s the team doing? Have you had the time to ask how you all are feeling, how their day is and if anyone needs anything? I’m sure you’re taking good care of each other and really pulling together for the final 10 days!”
For now, we wait to hear from the company. Cameron missed getting his birthday gift, it’s unlikely the team will receive their Christmas gift in time, and they’ve just all rowed through what must be the toughest 12 days of their lives. But the letters were written with love and care, and may still help Isaac and his team mates on their journey of a lifetime. Just as soon as they are delivered.
“I wonder what a beautiful sight you must have at night with zero light pollution and without noise if you really wanted to. Now that’s an experience I’m hoping to have one day. Although I have so many priceless memories camping with friends in the peaceful desert of Abu Dhabi. The stars at night in the desert are a sight to see!
So, what is the feasibility of delivering a package to Atlantic Discovery? Tracking the vessel isn’t a problem. The team would need to switch on their AIS (automatic identification system) so they can be found on the vessel finder website or, the race tracker is updated every four hours so can give a good idea of where Ellida is situated.
“…the deadline to send your package of these letters is quickly slipping away and my hand feels like it’s about to drop off from writing so much. You can possibly tell from how poor my writing has gotten…”
Finding a craft to reach Ellida could be more tricky. Perhaps a long range helicopter, or aircraft, or a boat to intercept them? Whatever their plans, the courier says they are investigating every option to deliver the package to Isaac and, while they have an extensive land-based network, they don’t have a network at sea. “We are currently exploring all options because we understand the emotion behind this story.”
“Know that you are always in the thoughts of many around the world. Also remember the MS Society and the Berkshire MS Therapy Centre - the beautiful charities you are helping raise so much money for! Remember them and the incredible work you are doing to change the world. Yes, YOU are changing the world through raising money, and raising awareness for MS. God Bless you for your sacrifices and your courage! Lots of love, Claire.”
HOW WILL THIS STORY UNFOLD?
This level of customer service by the UAE-based courier is absolutely mind blowing. Most of us, and I include myself in this category, would have written the package off as undeliverable. But not Claire. And not the delivery company. I can’t wait to see how this story unfolds…
Follow Atlantic Discovery’s journey along the green line. Be part of our story by donating here.
Watch this space @virtualstowaway Penny Bird is a professional photographer and writer documenting Atlantic Discovery's incredible journey.
The first stroke
“The gladdest moment in human life, me thinks, is a departure into unknown lands.” Sir Richard Burton
THE FIRST STROKE
At 11:30 on Wednesday 12 December, Atlantic Discovery dipped their oars into the water for the first of 1.5 million oar strokes it will take to row the Atlantic ocean between the Canaries and the Caribbean.
The first stroke was the culmination of months and months of relentless campaigning, training, preparation, investment and forbearance. For Ben, it was the overwhelming moment his dream, born four years ago, became a reality.
It was also the moment the team’s world shrunk to the size of a 28ft vessel, containing everything they need to survive, and their ties with the world were set aside. From now on, they have only each other.
Atlantic Discovery leave the safety of the marina and head for 3,000 miles of open ocean.
WAITING FOR WORD
For those of us left onshore, there is now a wait for about a week while the team become accustomed to their circumstances. We are unlikely to hear from them. The early stages of this extreme journey are challenging. They need to adjust to rowing at least 12 hours a day in shifts, sleeping in bursts of an hour or two, cleaning themselves with a cup of water and wet wipes, fitting in regular boat maintenance and eating rehydrated food and high calorie snacks. They are also acclimatising to constant movement.
It’s a galaxy apart from the past two weeks spent on the festive island of La Gomera.
It was so lovely to see the letters and gifts the team were given in the days before they departed.
The whole rowing fleet being photographed by Ben Duffy.
The schedule for the team has been all consuming. Social events, farewell parties, photo shoots, rigorous safety briefings and checks, and, of course, spending last moments with family and friends. This whirlwind has occupied every waking moment. I can’t help but think that in a way, the soothing immersion in nature, with just the sounds of the sea, must be welcome to them all.
I’ve been part of the team for eight months; chatting to them every day, sitting in on weekly meetings, photographing their training drills, sharing teambuilding weekends, and watching them grow into giants, connect and meld as a unit.
So, as I sat perched at the waters edge, on my own, and watched the ocean rowing boat get smaller, and the sea become more vast, I realised that inevitably, my boys had taken a big part of me with them.
Then I caught sight of all the family and friends gathered on the pontoon, read through the hundreds of messages and emails, outpourings of support and goodwill, saw all the donations being made to our MS charities, and I realised that Ben, Cam, Isaac and Jack have captured all our hearts. The next days and weeks and months will be spent watching their progress on the race tracker.
Some of the family who gathered to wave off the team - photo credit George Hopkins
GENEROSITY OF SPIRIT
The thing about such enormous human endeavour, is that it spreads with a ripple effect and infects everyone with inspiration.
Eric, my generous-hearted personal chauffeur who motored me around to catch the light. Photo credit - Cameron Parker
Cam’s team have set up a tracker so they can monitor his progress every four hours.
Eric Kervarrec was moored peacefully in the San Sebastián marina when I asked him to take me to sea so I could photograph the team on the water, and he agreed without a moments hesitation.
Cameron’s Swiss Re team have set up a live tracker in their office and are taking bets as to how many fish he will catch on the crossing, how much weight he will lose and where Atlantic Discovery will finish in the race.
Ben’s dad Colin emailed 3,600 colleagues in Hiscox to ask them to donate to our MS charities. The boost in donations was wonderful.
Our platinum sponsor NAGICO Insurances Group recorded a Christmas video message from 10 offices in the Caribbean (Antigua, Aruba, BVI, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts, St Lucia, St Martin and St Martin French office, Trinidad & Tobago) to show that they are always there and routing for the team.
Rose, Tony and Sue Unwin meet for the first time in La Gomera, despite attending the Berkshire MS Therapy Centre together for years. They made a special effort to come and wave off Atlantic Discovery. Photo credit Tammy Demmers.
Ben dropped his wallet in the street on the day before race start. A do-gooder picked it up and handed it to Leven Brown, our weather router, to return to Ben. (The people in La Gomera are wonderful, and Atlantic Campaigns has fostered heartwarming relationships with the locals.)
Emma Self designed the Atlantic Discovery logo and info graphic to track the team’s journey (which she updates every week) but she has also made a donation to our MS charities.
Thank you to the past, present and and future rowers who supported our Hot Santa run. We organised it to coincide with the Reading Santa Run in the UK which is one of the Berkshire MS Therapy Centre’s annual fundraising activities. It was a wonderful sight!
Two dozen Hot Santa’s watched the sunrise and then walked to the lighthouse to show solidarity for Atlantic Discovery’s commitment to a world free of MS.
I can’t possibly include all the wonderful gestures people have made, all the donations, all the kind words. I just know that this huge wave of positivity is going to help the team reach Antigua and make all of us proud.
A last wave from the team as they turn to face the greatest challenge of their lives.
Follow Atlantic Discovery’s journey along the green line. Be part of our story by donating here.
Watch this space @virtualstowaway Penny Bird is a professional photographer and writer documenting Atlantic Discovery's incredible journey.
Racing the green line
A life not lived for others, is not a life. Mother Theresa.
OUR JOURNEY LOG
SEVEN DAYS TO RACE DAY
In one week, Atlantic Discovery will dip their oars into the calm waters of San Sebastián, La Gomera, and pull the first of 1.5million oar strokes it will take to make landfall in the Caribbean.
Their bow will be pointed in a south/south-westerly direction and the team will become one with currents and, hopefully the winds, to reach Antigua. Rowing 24-7, they will draw a solid green line as they cross our chart - each dash representing100 nautical miles travelled. We’re hoping that they will move that line at least five dashes each week. Fingers crossed.
MAKE THE ACTION HAPPEN FROM YOUR SOFA
For those of us who prefer standing on solid ground, eating fresh food, and sleeping eight hours in a dry bed, there are two lines we can race: an orange line (The MS Society) and a blue line (The Berkshire MS Therapy Centre). And yes, we move those lines with our donations!
Best of all, we have a head start on the green line - so far, 171 supporters have donated over £7,654. We have a strong chance to beat Atlantic Discovery to the finish line!
LET’S MAKE THIS ROW A TRIUMPH FOR BEN, CAM, ISAAC AND JACK
According to race organisers Atlantic Campaigns, buoyant and enthusiastic supporters can, and do, make a huge difference to a row. Event co-ordinator Nikki Holter says:
“Even though we’re far from the action, and shore-based, we can make the experience for rowers and their loved ones a positive and unforgettable experience.”
The 2018 tracker is live and the boats will be added in the run up to race day, ready for the start. Check back to see when Atlantic Discovery is uploaded.
FOLLOW #THEGREENLINE
You can watch the green line’s progress in real time using the race tracker (shown above). Here’s how to have a bit of fun with friends and family - or raise money for our MS charities.
Company sweepstake - choose the top three teams to win.
Guess the finish position of Atlantic Discovery.
Guess the number of nautical miles Atlantic Discovery will row.
The team can go north - the most direct route - or south, to catch the trade winds. Which route will they take?
Predict Atlantic Discovery’s arrival date.
NAGICO’s Niala Singh has been busily asking her friends to make donations with great success; our bronze sponsor Lyme Bay Consulting has promised the team a finishing donation of £1K to MS on their arrival in Antigua and, in addition, a family member has initiated a school fundraising project to boost this donation further. Wow. Isn’t all this support super-heartwarming?
When the team arrives in Antigua, weathered, wild and at least 12kgs lighter than when they began, having experienced despair and fear, found courage, and realigned their sense of self, they will have joined a small, elite community on our planet.
More people have climbed Everest than have rowed an ocean.
Let’s do our bit and help them achieve their goal to raise £60K for a world free of MS.
Watch this space @virtualstowaway Penny Bird is a professional photographer and writer documenting Atlantic Discovery's incredible journey.
Boat #42 reporting for duty
“I don’t stop when I’m tired. I stop when I’m done.” James Bond
Boat #42 reporting for duty
My story starts with four Daniel Craig-wannabes, who’ve been practicing their special agent moves for weeks, in anticipation of reporting for duty in La Gomera, to Nikki - the beautiful and talented heroine of this story - who is also the Atlantic Campaigns Event Co-ordinator.
(I’m not sacrificing my title of Miss Moneypenny to you, sorry Nikki! You can be the Bond girl - but I’d start running now if I were you!)
Instead of an Aston Martin, they have a sleek green R45 ocean rowing vessel named Ellida, with three ejector seats on deck (take that James!) and multiple hatches for contraband goodies (mostly sweets that Ben, Cam and Jack have squirrelled away out of sight of Isaac’s watchful eye, and possibly a bottle or two of the tasty Talisker Whisky…).
A NEW BOND MOVIE?
So, I’ve been thinking about whether these guys would be contenders for a new Bond movie, starring opposite you Nikki? We’ll get to the name in a minute.
To me, the ‘whole package 007’ should be in peak physical condition - with a few battle scars of course - a penetrating gaze (preferably focused on me), a razor-sharp wit (I’m laughing already), calm, confident, super tough and sexy, with a little hint of badness...a man who creates a tingle of excitement in the air when he gets close. (Sigh.) What do you think Nikki? Sound about right?
Hmmnn. Well, Atlantic Discovery is definitely fit, but I’m not sure they fit the bill…
OK. So let’s look at the storyline instead.
Adventure? Rowing 3,000 miles across open ocean, unsupported, being horrendously shaken and stirred… Yep. Totally qualifies for this.
Bad guys? Oh yes - 27 boats piled high with 84 bad guys (only kidding teams! We love the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge community - especially Team Antigua - The Island Girls - they’re our favourites - and it’s not because they’re dressed like Bond girls).
Team Antigua - The Island Girls
A worthy cause? Yes! We’re doing this for Rose and a world free of MS for future generations.
Bond girls? Hey Nikki - you’re front of the queue here.
Miss Moneypenny? Here I am!
A plot? Well, this is the point at which I’m going to stop. You’re going to have to watch the story unfold as Atlantic Discovery face their demons, experience the most incredible force of nature at her best, and at her worst, triumph over adversity and emerge from a very real experience as hero’s. This story is definitely going to make me laugh, and make me cry, and gasp at the wonders of the mid-Atlantic.
And the name? Why, Atlantic Discovery, of course.
Wishing you the best of luck and fair winds boys. My heart and mind is with you on your travels.
Follow Atlantic Discovery’s journey along the green line. Be part of our story by donating here.
Watch this space @virtualstowaway Penny Bird is a professional photographer and writer documenting Atlantic Discovery's incredible journey.
Surviving the storm
Humanity reaching out, across an ocean
We are very, very small, but we are profoundly capable of very, very big things. Stephen Hawking
Atlantic Discovery spent a little time talking to two employees at NAGICO Insurances Group - our primary sponsor based in the Caribbean. Both Niala and Kyria have remarkable, very personal stories to tell.
I am sharing their stories with you, because there is so much value, learning and growth in simple human connection, in reaching out across an ocean.
The story told by Niala Singh, Insurance Administrator (aka Policewoman), NAGICO, Trinidad
ATLANTIC DISCOVERY’S CHALLENGE IS A METAPHOR FOR MY LIFE, AND FOR NAGICO
Niala Singh, Insurance Administrator, NAGICO
I have worked at NAGICO for three years and from the first moment I read about your extreme challenge to raise funds to research a cure for Multiple Sclerosis, you had my heart. I am your biggest fan.
In particular, I felt an immediate affinity with Ben. We both have parents who have been struck by illness. Just over a year ago, my active, lively, outdoor-loving father Barat had a stroke. He is 61 years old. He is now in a hospice, and I cry to know that he won’t be able to hold me and dance with me at my wedding.
Ben as a baby, with his beautiful mum Rose. She has lived with MS for two decades and is the inspiration for our fundraising row #row4rose
To get me through this time, I set myself little personal challenges every day. Sometimes I stop and question whether I can do them, and then something in me changes. I grow strong and fierce and resilient and tell myself - I can do this!
I am brave because of my Dad. I remember when I was about six, I was terrified of the sea. It seemed so overwhelming and the waves so big compared to me. My Dad would hold my hand and urge me to go in, and when it got too terrifying, he would hold me tight to his chest and carry me in. He taught my sister and I to be risk takers and to challenge ourselves no matter how much it scared us.
You are going to encounter times when you question whether you can go on. You can. You’re going to be strong and fierce and resilient and come out of this extraordinary human beings. This is a parallel with the NAGICO story. We support people faced with terrible loss or tragedy and help them come out stronger.
Niala cradled in the arms of her father on the beach at age 6.
NAGICO is rapping for you Team AD. You are doing something incredible. Pitting yourselves against extreme adversity in a huge, selfless act for humanity. This is very rare. You want a world free of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and this journey is to raise awareness for the disease and to pay towards research to find a cure. I want everyone to fall in love with you and help you do this.
The story told by Kyria Ali, Chief Strategy and Development Officer, NAGICO, St Maarten
I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO DIE THAT NIGHT
Kyria Ali, Chief Strategy and Development Officer, NAGICO
One month after I moved my parents from Trinidad, to live with me in St Maarten, Irma struck my home. A direct hit by a category 5 hurricane. One of the most powerful storms ever seen in the Atlantic, and to pass through the Caribbean.
I had heard many stories about hurricanes, but nothing prepared me for the reality. Nature, in her almighty glory, at her most violent, leaves catastrophic devastation and death, in her wake.
We knew she was coming, and we prepared as best we could. But similarly to Atlantic Discovery, we were largely preparing for the unknown. Unless you’ve experienced a storm of this power, or rowed across an ocean, the truth is you don’t know what you will face. We had plenty of supplies and water, barricaded our homes, and planned emergency procedures should disaster strike. Then we waited.
At midnight on 7 September 2017, the massive storm moved in over our heads - stretching 650 miles east to west - bringing pulsating winds of up to 185 mph. It killed 38 people in the Caribbean and caused an estimated $50 billion damage.
The pressure on our heads, deafening sounds and the sheer violence of the storm that night, I will never forget. Roofs and shutters were ripped off, cars were tossed about and there was water everywhere; the battering was as constant as an angry heart beat, and it went on for hours, interminably. The fear of losing your loved ones, your life, plays on your mind through the living nightmare. And, when we emerged from our tiny concrete safe room in the first light of day, deeply grateful to be alive and safe, to have each other, the enormity of our loss stilled us. We didn’t even have water to drink.
Kyria’s home after the Hurricane Irma had passed.
It is very hard to describe exactly how I felt and what we endured. We are so used to taking our homes, our sustenance, and all the luxuries of life as a given, the setback is overwhelming. It’s a true test of one’s courage, resilience and strength.
You’ve got to reach down into the deepest part of yourself to find the strength to begin your battle for survival.
Satellite image of three active hurricanes Katia, Irma and Jose threatening land simultaneously on 8 September 2017
Against a backdrop of the frightening possibility of a hit by Hurricane Jose, which thankfully missed the islands, followed two weeks later by Hurricane Maria - a second, and equally devastating direct hit, I rushed to address the basic needs of my family so I could move on to my next priority, work. I knew that I had to help all the people who needed to get their lives back. I had made a promise to them when I accepted my role at NAGICO. I neglected my own needs and family to work 15 to 18 hours a day for months. Even today, my home still bears the scars of Irma.
One never goes back to the way one was before.
Atlantic Discovery will be rowing 24-7 in rotating shifts, sacrificing their sleep, health and comforts. They will find their own path to surviving this test. They will wear the experience of this crossing on their hearts for the rest of their lives. They will never go back to the way they were before. They will be stronger. More resilient. And they will have found their courage.
LEARNING FROM EACH OTHER
Atticus was right. You never really know someone until you stand in his shoes… or, perhaps, spend time listening to each other. Thank you to Niala and Kyria for reaching out across the ocean to share your stories with us. Compassion, and empathy, are borne of sympathy. The call was uplifting, inspiring and emotional for us all. Tears were shed. Laughter was shared. We ended the exchange as firm friends.
Watch this space @virtualstowaway Penny Bird is a professional photographer and writer documenting Atlantic Discovery's incredible journey.
A VISIT TO THE BERKSHIRE MS THERAPY CENTRE
Kites rise highest against the wind, not with it. Winston Churchill
Last week Atlantic Discovery visited one of our charities, the Berkshire Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre. The welcoming blanket of warmth and good cheer when you open the door enfolds every person visiting this purpose-built oasis - it felt to me as if I’d come home.
It’s a place where hearts and souls touch, where kindness happens, where you are understood, and where nothing else much matters.
Cameron chats to Bev while she is being set up on the static cycling machine. It automatically adjusts to effort, so when you tire, it keeps your limbs moving.
After a cuppa (one of the 10,000 consumed at the centre in a year!) marvel Fundraising Manager Samantha Harper explained how the 11 staff and over 100 regular volunteers make life with MS easier for patients delivering more than 10,000 treatments to 400 families every year.
“MS is an unpredictable condition and the symptoms are variable - a lot of them invisible. No two people will experience MS in the same way. We offer services and therapies at our Centre to help people manage the challenges they face so they can live life to the fullest.”
Rose is the inspiration for our crossing and standing here with her as a team makes us really proud: Rose, when we face hardships, we’ll look back at you.
Deirdre being ‘air lifted’ onto a treatment bed so she can begin physiotherapy treatment.
BMSTC is particularly important to Atlantic Discovery, as it has been Rose’s second home since she was diagnosed with MS nearly two decades ago. She visits at least once a week and is enormously grateful to the steadfast team for all their love and support over the years.
It was Cameron’s first visit to the Centre and he was deeply moved by the experience and shared this with Rose.
”Nothing makes me more proud to have met you and your incredible son Ben and learned how you both stand so tall and fight this hand you’ve been dealt. It moved me so much to understand better what MS is all about and left me wishing I could rub it all out. So terribly sad. It left me never wanting to take for granted what we have.
“And when you said goodbye to me you wouldn’t let my hand go. I didn’t want to let your hand go either.
“This amazing team is going to return your son, Jack, Isaac, and Cam safely to you Rose. We’re going to reach our goal and support your Centre. Love Cam”
Atlantic Discovery was treated to smiles and laughter from everyone at the centre.
David receiving oxygen therapy in the oxygen chamber.
This is how far we are with fundraising for BMSTC.
Atlantic Discovery has set a target to raise £30K for registered charity BMSTC, which was set up by people with MS. They have delivered quality support to the local MS community for 34 years. They are a self-funded and rely on fundraising and donations to meet their annual running costs of £400K. The money Atlantic Discovery will raise will cover their operating expenses for the duration of the row and will likely be their largest donation received in the year.
Ben, Jack and Isaac pictured here in the walk-in oxygen chamber at the Centre. An hour of oxygen is delivered to BMSTC members at higher pressure to speed up oxygen absorption into the blood stream.
Our second chosen charity is the MS Society. We would like to raise £30K towards research for a cure for MS. Imagine a world free of the effects of MS? So far the MS Society has invested £155m in world-class research and have made incredible breakthroughs.
HOT SANTA RUN IN LA GOMERA
Ben, Isaac and Jack entered the BMSTC Santa Run in Reading last year, and Atlantic Discovery and a few family members have decided to support it - running 5K in Santa (Swim) Suits in La Gomera, in between race preparation, to raise funds for this amazing charity. We’ll doing the run on Saturday 8 December at 8am. Have a look on our Facebook page to see this hilarious sight live on the day. Please show your support for this crazy initiative by making a donation here. 100% of your donation will go to BMSTC.
Ben summed up his feelings for the BMSTC community. “The people who make up this Centre are something special. They are a constant rock for those whose lives have been turned upside down.
“I would particularly like to thank Samantha, Yvonne, Kirsten, Pippa and everyone else who keeps the doors of the BMSTC open. No number could ever reflect the real value you bring to the MS community.”
Watch this space @virtualstowaway Penny Bird is a professional photographer and writer documenting Atlantic Discovery's incredible journey.
Tagged: nagico, nagicoinsurances, thenagicostory, bepartofourstory, atlanticdiscovery, oceanrowing, row, rowing, rowwithrannoch, row4rose, MS, multiplesclerosis, bringinguscloser, MSresearch, MSawareness, twac2018, atlanticcampaigns, madebythesea, talisker, atlantic, 3000miles, BMSTC, MSSociety
Waterfalls, wild sea and whisky
“When we seek to bring out the best in others, we somehow bring out the best in ourselves.” William Arthur Ward
We chose the remote Isle of Skye for our final gathering, because it is the home of the 200-year old Talisker Distillery; official sponsor of the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge.
The weekend visit promised remoteness, a brush with the elements, adventure, and an opportunity to acquaint ourselves with the spirit of this premium brand of fine whisky, made by the sea.
Talisker have been sponsoring this extraordinary, personally transforming event; a 3,000-mile row across the Atlantic, for seven consecutive years.
I knew I would love this other-worldly outer-Hebrides island, but I didn’t realise how wholly it would claim my heart.
For a short break, the journey to this Scottish outpost is not for the faint-hearted. And, to add a touch of drama, it was made during a wild storm in the dark of night. What a relief to navigate through the horizontal rain and gusting gale force winds to arrive safely at our destination. The warming welcome we received, long past midnight, from our host Andy, set our stay off to a great start.
As you can imagine, my boys have been working and training frenetically for months, but far from being weary, they seem constantly filled with boundless energy and enthusiasm… rather reminiscent of a litter of excited puppies on red bull. The next 48 hours promised to be entertaining, at the very least.
A QUICK EXPLORE
First stop was a visit to the magical Glenbrittle Fairy Pools at the foot of the Black Cuillins: On the agenda? Fording rivers, rock hopping, mud sliding and non-stop belly laughing! I’m sure Isaac will be back for a wild swim in these pools after the row.
I think undercover agents Isaac and Cam were inspired by the “Skye-Fall” environment in this photograph…
A photo with Isaac? Erm, no - an on-the-mud-spot proposal! Much to Ben’s horror in the background… These boys are full of surprises and a laugh-a-minute. (PS: Don’t worry ladies, Isaac is just practicing for the real thing!)
OUR TALISKER DISTILLERY TOUR
Scottish proverb: “Todays rain is tomorrow’s whisky.”
As promised, the distillery - which operates 24-7 at full capacity to meet demand - is perched on the edge of the Loch Harport. It’s easy to imagine, standing there, that it’s founders — the MacAskill brothers - rowed from Eig to Skye to establish the distillery two centuries ago.
Tasting the golden spirit: Cam, Isaac, Jack and Ben discovering the different tastes and flavours of this award-winning whisky. They chose a special bottle to stowaway on Ellida for the crossing.
A huge thanks to Lesley Taylor at Talisker for hosting our team on a private, and very informative, tour around the distillery. She says Atlantic Discovery is her top favourite team!
FRIENDSHIPS FORGED BY FIRE
This weekend was about connecting. About removing ourselves from the project management, negotiations and deliverables for two days of freedom and downtime. About remembering how much we enjoy each other. Touching base with our characters and strengthening our friendships. About how we’ve got each other’s backs now, and on the row, and how our different strengths have built a mighty powerful unit. And especially, about how much we need each other on this life-changing journey.
THE POWER OF DETERMINATION
While we were on the beach, something truly remarkable happened. Cameron spotted a buoy in the distance and decided we should all go over to it for a photograph. When we got closer, we realised the buoy was named Rose. BOOM!
We are rowing the Atlantic for Ben’s mum Rose (#row4rose), and for all the 2.5 million people suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS) worldwide. We want more people to be aware of the varied symptoms of this condition and to raise funds for research so we move towards a world free of MS.
The Atlantic sea tides delivered this buoy to the Talisker beach for us to find this weekend. I am convinced this is a marker of the power of our determination to achieve our goal and make a difference to MS sufferers. We are ready to #row4rose.
I feel hugely privileged to have been included in the visit, along with my trusty camera, as an observer and facilitator, to learn even more about these incredible men - really my enlarged family - whom I affectionately call “my boys”. I am, as ever, deeply proud to be part of the Atlantic Discovery journey, and to be entrusted to tell their story. Thank you Ben, Cam, Isaac and Jack for sharing it with me.
Watch this space @virtualstowaway Penny Bird is a professional photographer and writer documenting Atlantic Discovery's incredible journey.
Tagged: nagico, nagicoinsurances, thenagicostory, bepartofourstory, atlanticdiscovery, oceanrowing, row, rowing, rowwithrannoch, row4rose, MS, multiplesclerosis, bringinguscloser, MSresearch, MSawareness, twac2018, atlanticcampaigns, madebythesea, talisker, atlantic, 3000miles
GREEN, GLORIOUS GREEN
The colour of life. The colour of nature and renewal. The healing properties of green can enhance vision, stability and endurance. It is also the corporate colour of our main sponsor, The NAGICO Group.
Based in the Caribbean, the NAGICO Insurances Group is no stranger to endurance in the face of adversity.
In 2017, the islands were devastated by Category 5 hurricane Irma, one of the the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record, followed weeks later by hurricane Maria, causing numerous fatalities.
THE NAGICO STORY
NAGICO’s Group Chief Strategy and Development Officer Kyria Ali told Atlantic Discovery about the catastrophe and the impact on the people across their territories.
“Despite these darkest of moments, when we were all surrounded largely by despair, NAGICO proved that we are a group that can be trusted to deliver to our stakeholders.
“We have chosen to back Atlantic Discovery’s exceptional human endeavour because it resonates so closely with NAGICO’s story.
“Atlantic Discovery is taking on a challenge that to the average person seems impossible to achieve. The team will be rowing for two hours on, two hours off for about 40 days, making their own water, eating rehydrated ration packs, sleeping 90 minutes at a time in two small cabins, facing the elements and enduring the full might of the sea.
“The expedition is about resilience, teamwork, facing adversity and becoming stronger. This is NAGICO’s story.”
Speaking on behalf of the team, Cam said the alignment between NAGICO’s values and the team ethos was the factor that made the partnership a reality.
“We are absolutely honoured that NAGICO Group has chosen to come on board as our primary sponsor. The distinctive green NAGICO branding of our ocean rowing boat Ellida will mean that this dynamic and versatile insurance group, one with a significant footprint in the Caribbean, can tell their remarkable story: how they stand tall against adversity; support the Caribbean Communities; and deliver on promises. NAGICO is an inspiration to us and we want to make them proud and celebrate with them at the finish.”
GREEN FOR GO
This weekend, we were blown away to see our stunning ocean rowing boat Ellida for the first time, delivered beautiful, smooth and shiny from Grapefruit Graphics (thank you Emma!), emblazoned with our sponsors logos. She has been renewed, and is green for go!
Ellida was light painted by pennybird and camera to set off her amazing new wrapping to best effect.
Watch this space @virtualstowaway Penny Bird is a professional photographer and writer documenting Atlantic Discovery's incredible journey.
Tagged: nagico, nagicoinsurances, thenagicostory, bepartofourstory, atlanticdiscovery, oceanrowing, row, rowing, rowwithrannoch, row4rose, MS, multiplesclerosis, bringinguscloser, MSresearch, MSawareness, twac2018, atlanticcampaigns, madebythesea, talisker, atlantic, 3000miles
Chris Bertish arrives at English Harbour on 9 March 2017 after 93 days at sea.
THE FIRST SPARK
I’ve lived a very ordinary life; I’ve not put a foot very far outside my cushy comfort zone. But on my birthday, two years ago, my second cousin Chris Bertish (whom I’d not yet met) set off on a journey so out there, that it caught hold of my imagination and triggered a sequence of events, connecting me to a handful of super-inspiring people who have completely shifted my world.
Chris Bertish was the first person to Stand Up Paddle Board across the Atlantic from Agadir in Morrocco to Antigua, spending 93 days at sea, and raising $6 million for South African children’s charities.
Chris, without doubt, has sparked flames worldwide with his outstanding achievement. He has brought smiles to the faces of hundreds of children, and shares his incredible story across the globe, inspiring people and organisations everywhere.
THE POWER OF INSPIRATIONAL ACTS BY OUR FELLOW HUMAN BEINGS IS CONSIDERABLE. IT SPREADS LIKE WILDFIRE.
When touching your life at the right time, in the right place, inspiration sets you alight. It can be just one amazing encounter, or a series of encounters, but you will reach for your destiny when it comes, and nothing will stop you.
Best of all, as soon as you begin your journey, you spread your own sparks of inspiration to the people whose lives you touch, who then, in turn, become your inspiration to achieve what you set out to do… it’s totally magical.
And, I’ve discovered something even more curious. The size of the act doesn’t matter. Every person who has offered their support to the Atlantic Discovery team - in whatever shape or form - throws more fuel on our wildfire and makes it burn bigger and brighter. (It’s so awesome, so catching, I’ve totally become an inspiration junkie!)
Here is an excerpt from ‘Stop drifting, start rowing’ by Roz Savage MBE, ocean rower, author, speaker: first and only woman to row solo across three oceans, which underlines this very phenomenon.
“I felt so low, the only way had to be up. If not for my own sake, then I had to carry on for the sake of all the people who had helped me get here - the boatbuilders, supporters, sponsors, well-wishers and friends who had shown such faith in me. If they believed in me, it was not for me to let them down.”
OUR STOWAWAYS, OUR INSPIRATION
Atlantic Discovery call their team of inspiring supporters Stowaways. This is because every helping hand, word of encouragement, kindness, offer of support, contribution - financial or otherwise - immediately makes you part of our story. You’re on our boat, with us on our journey, in our thoughts for 3,000 miles.
BY HELPING US, YOU BECOME OUR INSPIRATION TO ACHIEVE OUR GOAL.
Take Steve Morse and Gerrard Spear from Lyme Bay Consulting, for example. They are a genuinely philanthropic organisation who give their personal time and financial support to their chosen charity each year. In the past, they’ve supported education and mentored students. It’s not about money for them, it’s about building lifelong relationships.
This year, they chose to sponsor Atlantic Discovery’s crossing by becoming a Bronze Partner. They paid us promptly, organised the logo for Ellida and some promotional t-shirts, job done.
So here’s how they blew us away.
Our oars are still available for sponsorship, so Steve is doing the rounds with his clients and contacts trying to get interest in the engine-room of the row. Wow.
Ellida is being shipped from London Heathrow to La Gomera in a couple of weeks and we needed an accessible warehouse to store her and do final packing. I put out a random call to Steve, and a few other contacts, to ask if anyone knew of any potential sites. Not only did Steve go out of his way to find a place for us, but Lyme Bay Consulting offered to pay for it too! Wow. Wow.
Lyme Bay Consulting is coming to La Gomera to see us off. Wow. Wow. Wow.
They are extraordinary. They’ve exceeded our expectations, big time. But this is true for each and every one of our supporters and Stowaways. The acts of kindness, messages and support is mind blowing. So much so, that we’re going to feature them in a little book for the team to take with them on their journey - for those low moments - when they need to reconnect with their inspiration.
We are so proud to be wearing the Lyme Bay Consulting t-shirts - we are so grateful to have you as part of our story. Thank you Steve and Gerrard.
Have you been touched with a spark of inspiration? Become part of our story.
Watch this space @virtualstowaway Penny Bird is a professional photographer and writer documenting Atlantic Discovery's incredible journey.
PULLING ACROSS AN OCEAN
“Everything that has ever happened in your life, is preparing you for a moment that is yet to come.” Anonymous.
FACING THE UNKNOWN
This week I asked the Atlantic Discovery team to tell me about their mental, physical and emotional preparation for the race. But before I share this, I’d like to tell you a little bit about the known factors they will face on their journey.
Four men on an open deck 17 foot long. Two tiny cabins, home to all four of the crew during stormy weather. Round-the-clock shifts of two hours on, two hours off. At best, 90 minute sleep cycles. Compromised immune systems, chaffing sores and blisters, exposure to the unrelenting sun and elements for at least 12 hours a day, for a month and a half, maybe two. Barely palatable food. Physical extremes. Boredom. Home sickness. Motion sickness. Hallucinations. Exhaustion… Jack-bot’s singing… and, then there’s the unknown.
So how do you prepare yourself for a challenge on the extreme edge of possible? True to form, the boys are all going about it differently.
PREPARATION IS PERSONAL
METHODICAL, STEADY, THOROUGH
Ben has been preparing himself for the longest time - around two years. To try and make sense of what to expect on the row, he has read every book known to man on the subject of ocean rowing, rowing and water. He’s undressed Ellida down to her bare shell and studied every element of this vast subject truly, madly, deeply. His objective? To be able to share these learnings with the team.
Ben making sure he knows how Ellida is wired.
Physical preparation for Ben means strength. He is the strongest person on the team (I know this because he has picked me up in the deadlift position, squatted and stood up again, and the only damage he did himself was split his trousers. Hilarious!). And wow.
“The muscle I’m packing is going to protect me from injury on the row,” he explained to me. “I’m fortunate my aunt used to be a professional athlete - she competed in discus - and has taken on the task of making sure I’m race ready. She is coaching and mentoring me, and guides me through my training every week. I’ve learned so much - there is a lot of technique and subtlety to weight lifting.”
THINKING AND PLANNING AHEAD
Cameron joined the team in May, and at the time was on course to lose 10% of his normal bodyweight to demonstrate to his girlfriend (GF) that he had a six pack. (Yes, he is the most mature member of the team…). If the six pack didn’t emerge by the deadline, I understand GF would be the recipient of some much coveted earrings she had her eye on. This little interlude delayed the start of Cam’s bulking up process - but he’s now on track to achieve his target - and GF is sporting a gorgeous pair of sparkly accessories. (Did he achieve his goal, or didn’t he? I’ll leave you to ask him!).
Cameron bought a rowing boat two years ago - to prepare for the crossing - which he keeps on Lake Zurich.
Cam is a multi-disciplinary sportsman - he has always been exceptionally active - and demands a lot from his body. But nothing that comes even close to the Atlantic row. He is focusing on strength and endurance training.
Race organisers Atlantic Campaigns say in their training guide: “There is no prescribed mental training programme that can adequately prepare you for what you will experience other than training together as a team.”
Skateboarding in front of Zurich Opera House.
Mentally Cam’s the one who is thinking three steps ahead. He visualises potential problems that the team may encounter on the row and works out solutions in discussion with the team. Then they do drills to practice and perfect these responses. The team has also spent a more than the recommended time on the water, developing their seamanship skills, and learning about each other.
“Knowing each other’s strengths and limits will go some way in preparing us for whatever we will face on the crossing. We’ve got to be prepared for everything going wrong and make plans on how we’re going to deal with each scenario.”
DEDICATED TO TEAM AND SELF
Isaac has a more rounded approach to his preparation. I’ve got to admit to bursting out laughing when he told me massage was a key part of his training programme. And, before I get into serious trouble with the sports massage community, it was only because I saw the funny side! (The rest of the team training at top speed and Isaac lying prone while being pummelled into a state of euphoria.) His regime includes daily yoga and regular osteopathic support.
Isaac has cleaned up his diet in preparation for the row, reducing sugars, caffeine and alcohol.
Mentally, Isaac believes his focus on team unity is paramount. “When we’re at the wire, it is the team dynamics that are going to make or break us. I’m working hard to dissolve some of the blocks that are preventing us from functioning as a high performing team.”
He and Ben also did a lot of endurance training for their world record rows at the start of the year.
Ben and Isaac during their successful world record attempts.
“We stayed awake for four days to earn our world records and we know how we cope when sleep deprived and have to row for a long duration. This kind of stress test is invaluable in preparing for the crossing.”
LONG AND STEADY FOR JACK
Jack-bot is the most experienced rower on the team - with the most powerful pull - and he is concentrating on building fitness through long steady-state sessions on the rowing machine. His target is four hours, which is twice the length of time he will need to row every shift on the crossing. He is combining this with hypertrophic exercise to build up his lean muscle mass (or, as he says not-as-lean-as-it-could-be!).
Jack is happiest on the water.
Mentally Jack is keenly focused on understanding the psychological changes that will take place as a result of the change in environment and high levels of stress. “I am reading accounts of previous crossings, paying particular attention to the emotional change states we are likely to experience. For example, James Cracknell and Ben Fogle say in“The Crossing,” that they found their first four days at sea the hardest. They were in shock, realising the enormity of the challenge facing them, getting to grips with the loneliness they felt, and trying to find the strength to get through the demands of their new regime. It was only on the fifth day that they started to feel a little more positive.
“Just knowing what to expect at various phases of the journey is going to help me understand and adapt to the emotional and behavioural changes in myself, as well as my team mates. I think that this is vital to the wellbeing of our team.”
TOWARDS THE BEST POSSIBLE ROW
So in summary, the team are not following the same training regime. Or diet. Or even doing similar mental or emotional preparation. (I can’t even get them to wear the same kit at the same time.)
Doing your best to get ready for the race is personal. It’s about kick-ass attitude. It’s about wanting to make our amazing group of supporters proud. Atlantic Discovery is going to do #thebestpossiblerow.
Watch this space @virtualstowaway Penny Bird is a professional photographer and writer documenting Atlantic Discovery's incredible journey.
"The ultimate test of a man, is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands in times of challenge and controversy." Martin Luther King
TOWARDS THE BEST POSSIBLE ROW
My admiration for the four men in this team grows day by day; through the setbacks and through every one of their triumphs.
I've been told by ocean rowers that crossing the Atlantic ocean in a tiny rowing boat, standing against tempestuous Mother Nature and overcoming unimaginable physical and mental tests, is something that can be taken on by anyone.
But I really don't believe this is true. It takes a special kind of person to take on this extreme journey.
For starters, you need courage in every strand of your DNA, super-heroism rooted in your heart chambers and, the ambition to do it, so strong in you, that every neural pathway sings with the will to achieve this seemingly-impossible goal.
These are the qualities that I'm starting to see in the team, and my respect for this charming, crazy and endearing bunch of guys is growing steadily.
TEACHING ISAAC TO ROW
This weekend, Mother Nature played a little trick on my boys - the first of many - I'm quite sure!
On Friday, Ben, Isaac and Jack flew to Switzerland to stay with Cameron on the banks of Lake Zurich. Their mission for the training session was to row a wide riverboat - kindly lent to them by the RGZ Rowing Club - 60 km around the heart of the largest city in the country, while coaching Isaac on the finer points of rowing. Photographer and drone expert Daniel Williams joined the team to record their progress on the iconic alpine waters.
On Saturday, Mother Nature woke up in a bad mood. The team, unperturbed by her cloudy brow, launched at 8am.
(Now, we all know that ignoring a moody woman is not always the best course of action...ho hum!)
THE RAIN...
While the more seasoned rowers schooled Isaac, Mother Nature dialled down the temperature and lowered her head. Atlantic Discovery were 10 km into their row when they began to realise that the boat was taking on a great deal of water.
Too much, according to Jack (in water up to his knees from the stroke position)
It was fine, according to Ben (only seeing two inches of water from the bow)
What about my photographic equipment?, panicked Dan.
It was a tense interlude until, as one, they entered survival mode and pulled towards the shore with all their might, just making it before the boat went under and they were dumped unceremoniously into the shallows, the echoes of distant laughter ringing across the dull skies.
Cold and wet, the guys salvaged the boat, their pride, and their indomitable high spirits; they were laughing when they messaged me to say they had "sunk", "they were trying again tomorrow when the weather improved" and their agenda had been"rejigged".
Oh why not have a swim while we're here?
Warm and dry, wide smiles as they charm a young lady handing out soap samples in Zurich Old Town.
A GLANCE BACK IN TIME
STÄMPFLI Racing Boats, established since 1861, are the Bugatti Veyron of the rowing world. They are the only company that still build wooden boats in the traditional way and are committed to the ongoing improvement of rowing boat design and production; the team were in for a treat.
"STÄMPFLI has generously sponsored Atlantic Discovery two pairs of brand new ocean rowing Croker skulls," explained Cameron. "I was so pleased when they offered to support us. Everyone I have spoken to in the business is friendly, welcoming and genuine. They really go out of their way to be helpful too. I have a great deal of respect for the company and we had a wonderful time visiting the workshop and being talked through what they do by Dani. We are deeply grateful to be associated with this premium brand."
#GIRLPOWER FOR THE BOYS
Back to the flat and a chat with Sophie Stabell, captain of the record breaking four-women Rowegians rowing team from Norway (they rowed Ellida across the Atlantic in 2017). Sophie shared invaluable advice on preparation, the row, food and managing Ellida.
Ben said afterwards: "The ocean rowing community is such a special group of people. Always so willing to help and offer advice. I loved hearing all the inside information and Sophie is inspirational in the way she answered all our questions - thanks Sophie!"
THEN THE RAINBOW...
From the drone flying above the skiff, Sunday looked like a tropical island far below. The water like glass, the early autumnal colours bright, the skulls scooping rhythmically, the kilometres falling away with ease.
Atlantic Discovery completed the circumnavigation, foot steering the whole way and achieving a top speed of 11.23 knots. Dan was able to get some amazing drone footage of the rowing, you can see his short film on our social media channels. (Amazingly, he was able to launch and land the drone on the rowing boat - I'm sure there are not many photographers who would attempt that - skillz Dan!)
Jack-bot has also got to be mentioned here - in the rainbow section - because this weekend he gained the respect of his team mates for setting the pace and putting welly into the row, despite feeling very ill (I'm not going to say anything about man-flu because he never even mentioned feeling poorly!). Go Jack-bot, love your stoicism.
FOCUS, PRECISION AND TIMING
The highlight of the weekend? Isaac said it was the discovery of how important it is to focus on precision and timing when you're on the oars. "Concentration is key to synchronising effort with your team mates to maximise forward propulsion. I was really surprised at the difference this makes. Chatting or looking around isn't really an option: while you're rowing you've got to work hard. Thanks guys for the coaching, I feel like a really solid part of the team now."
Credit for all images in this blog to Daniel Gregg Williams @ Dwailiw Photography
Watch this space @virtualstowaway Penny Bird is a professional photographer and writer documenting Atlantic Discovery's incredible journey.
"A ship is always safe at shore but that is not what it’s built for." Albert Einstein
THE FINAL LEG OF THE MANDATORY TRAINING ROW
How fitting that Atlantic Discovery chose the world's first open ocean lighthouse, Eddystone Lighthouse, situated nine miles off the Cornish coast, to complete their qualifying row for the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge.
The race requirement is that each crew must have rowed their boat for a minimum of 96 hours (24 hours of this in the dark) and tested all their equipment, before shipping their boat to the start line in La Gomera. The team had logged 67 hours on several rows along the Dorset Coast, but decided to finish their mandatory training viewing the seascapes along Cornwall, which is also Jack's second home.
The 100km journey began in Plymouth late on a Friday morning, the team circumnavigated Eddystone Lighthouse at about 3pm and then headed to Fowey where they spent the night moored on a pontoon. After at least two breakfasts and a shower, they set off again for Falmouth where they docked on Saturday afternoon, in very high spirits, as they had ticked off another requirement to allow them to row the Atlantic. In short, some of their achievements over the two days included:
Good morning Jack!
100 kms of beautifully synchronised rowing in almost perfect conditions;
Ben celebrated his 25th birthday on the oars - yay!
4 packs of freeze dried food tested, 4 snack-packs tried out and 20 litres of water made and consumed (supplemented with a large number of Cornish pasties, doughnuts and heaps of real food);
top speed of 5 knots achieved by one of the crew;
navigation skills tested;
lots of fun and laughter (and loud music) heard across the water;
and, Isaac was elegantly seasick for the first time - but he blamed it on something he'd eaten... (Just Cameron and Ben who are maintaining their seasickness-virginity on Ellida!)
WATCHING THE STORY UNFOLD
I was fortunate to be out on the water too, as a guest aboard Nirvana, a lovely little yacht desperate to sail in the windless conditions, but who resignedly pottered along under power. We tried our best to keep up with Atlantic Discovery, even putting out the spinnaker, but she stayed ahead of us.
Hey! What's going on here? Oh, Cam needs a spoon from Nirvana to eat his food.
Fortunately, mother nature didn't disappoint (she never does) and delivered on the soul food big time. Sea birds a-plenty, dolphins, a whale and hundreds of merry-go-round lit jelly fish hanging just beneath the glassy sea surface. Martin (Jack's dad), swears he heard a submarine and saw a periscope pop up, but Skipper Mike and I glanced at each other and told him to put on his sunhat.
It was a wonderful, relaxing weekend and I spent a lot of time observing the boys from a distance. They seem so happy, so in their element. You can't help but smile when you see them together. I love seeing the bonds they are forming with each other. Will they end up lifelong friends after the row, or will they have spent so much time in close proximity crossing the Atlantic that they head off in different directions after the challenge is over? It will be interesting to see what happens.
Will they end up friends for life?
Perspective: Wind power versus muscle power.
THE BOAT SURVEY
Out of the water, it was back to business. The next step was preparing Ellida for her Advisory Inspection - also a mandatory process managed by race organisers Atlantic Campaigns and driven by safety. The checklist is extensive (around 400 entries), covering everything from sunglasses and sunblock to navigation charts, emergency equipment, medical kit and essential spares, to name a few. To cover off the checklist, preparation is key and the boat was stripped and repacked to make the inspection as efficient as possible.
A big shout out to Lee Fudge from the Atlantic Campaigns team for the amazing support and advice given to the team during the inspection and making it such a positive learning experience.
FOUR MONTHS TO GO
Wow! Unbelievably the four-month marker is upon us. The team are training in earnest and modifying their diet and lifestyle to try and prepare as well as they possibly can for what will undoubtedly be the biggest challenge of their lives.
Watch this space @virtualstowaway Penny Bird is a professional photographer and writer documenting Atlantic Discovery's incredible journey.
My role is to be the @virtualstowaway on Ellida and report to you, via the boys, what is happening between oar strokes. This weekend, Ben, Cam, Isaac and Jack rowed 60km along the stunning Jurassic Coastline to raise awareness and much needed funds for Multiple Sclerosis. I was off in the mountains of Wales, so this is my first 'reported' blog.
THE FIRST ALL NIGHTER...
So, to start, the logistics were a challenge. Friday night, after a long, hot week, you're dreaming of a cold beer, right? Sorry, none of that for Atantic Discovery. The team had to drive nearly 300 miles including airport pickup, essential kit in Bath, and tow the beautiful Ellida from Weymouth to Poole Harbour - arriving at 4am. Then, it was straight to work to set up shop: banners, balloons and flags to show the lady off to the 2,000 runners and walkers taking part in the Jurassic Coastal Challenge.
IT IS ALL ABOUT MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
From 6am to 11am the boys smiled non-stop, chatting away to anyone interested in their phenomenal challenge, and they were particularly thrilled to have three special guests on the day to support them:
Ben's inspirational mum Rose.
The lovely ladies representing Berkshire MS Therapy Centre Samantha Hall and Yvonne Parks.
The MS Society's enthusiastic representative Caroline Kew.
They even attracted the attention of St Johns Ambulance (They told me it was to offer the team their support, but I think they might have come over because Isaac was wearing his all-weather gear in the hot sun!)
TIME FOR ELLIDA TO SHOW HER MOVES
At midday, to coincide with wind and tides, Ellida was craned into the water and the boys navigated out of Poole Harbour and met up with adventure photographer Daniel Gregg Williams on the beach to get footage of the boat and crew from the air. The team rowed three-up for the first time and were quite pleased with the speed they achieved. Dan bagged some exceptional images which have performed incredibly well on our digital platforms (including the images featured in this blog) - more kudos and followers for this extraordinary journey. Thank you Dan! Your support means a great deal to the team.
THE SECOND ALL NIGHTER!
Now, I have always wondered how Atlantic Discovery would perform under pressure. Would they fall apart, would there be conflict and combat, with losses overboard? Or, would they pull together and support each other? Saturday night proved to be their first test. Remember - they didn't sleep Friday night - at all. And, it's been a long, hot, challenging day. Added to this, a brisk 12-knot headwind and, only manual steering. Why? To make things a little harder and test the team's mettle. This was tough. They adopted the following rowing timetable for 12 long hours: rowing two-up, two hours on, one hour off, one hour steering. How did they do on so little rest? Great! (And I asked all of them separately just to check they weren't having me on!)
The team pulled together, when things got tough. They are all really feeling good this week. Go boys!
Ellida rowing into Lulworth Cove at approximately 11pm on Saturday night.
Credit for all images in this blog to Daniel Gregg Williams @ Dwailiw Photography
Watch this space @virtualstowaway Penny Bird is a professional photographer and writer documenting Atlantic Discovery's incredible journey.
This weekend, Atlantic Discovery was treated to two days of training from the legendary Leven Brown, Leven Brown Adventure and Ocean Services. On paper Leven is one of the most experienced and respected ocean rowers in the world, with 30,000 sea miles notched on his sporran, and an exceptional and unparalleled knowledge of all things rowing.
But, if you think this bedrock of expertise gives an inkling of Leven's calibre, I can vouch that nothing compares to being in his presence. He treats every person with respect, and as an absolute equal.
This is a man whose moral compass points true north at all times - no calibration required.
Even more remarkably, Leven's every word and action is quietly understated and unassuming, yet inexplicably his leadership is accepted by all, without question.
ACTION PACKED LEARNING
Jack cuts the cake while singing "happy 150 days to us".
Testament to his character, Leven drove all the way from Scotland to Weymouth overnight, and met the team for breakfast at 8am sharp.
First on the agenda was weather routing: course choices based on dynamic weather patterns, power and steering management, and essential equipment maintenance. (Amusingly the importance of duck tape was mentioned a few times.)
Isaac getting to grips with a lively lobster.
The arrival of cake at lunchtime to celebrate 150 days (eek!) had us all reflecting on how little time there is until the team launches in La Gomera. Suitably fed and watered, a cheeky visit to the local fisheries to get some fresh lobster and crab, then back to work in the afternoon to investigate Ellida's electrics.
The end of the day was spent on Chesil beach, where I did a quick product shoot to thank our sponsors, and then had a swim with Isaac and Cam, witnessing one of the most beautiful and peaceful of nature's events from the clear still seawater.
Leven told us that there would be around three still days like this one on the crossing - oh dear - not much calm weather to look forward to! I really enjoyed this weekend. I feel I'm getting to know the boys better and I'm so grateful to be working on this amazing project with them.
I WOULD TRUST HIM WITH MY LIFE
Sunday saw us launching Ellida, then rowing out of Weymouth harbour to test and practice using the autohelm. Then lunch, a debrief and home. Chatting to Ben as we packed up, he told me that he would trust Leven with his life.
"What really resonated with me was that our journey will be a compromise between where we are headed and the weather conditions. Leven has advised us not to fight the wind, but rather to work with it, and let the passage flow. I think this will be mentally challenging when we're doing the row, but I trust Leven with my life - even though I've known him for only 48 hours."
Someone asked me recently if I was worried about my brother and the team going on this phenomenal journey. My answer was instant. No, not at all. I want Atlantic Discovery to do this challenge. The benefits of this life-changing experience far outweigh the risks - and I have a lot of respect for the race organisers - Atlantic Campaigns: they have a rigorous training and safety ethic. But the main reason for my confidence, is that Leven will be on board (albeit via Satellite). His happy place is on the sea, in a rowing boat. I know he will motivate the team on bad days, rejoice with them on good days, and he will guarantee they use the prevailing weather to their advantage on the crossing.
MAESTRO OF THE ELEMENTS
Observing Leven, I get the feeling that he listens and watches and learns, gleaning information which he will use to choreograph the Atlantic Discovery row, knowing the boat, tapping into the personalities, equipment strengths, winds and currents, so the team's performance becomes a thing of beauty, flows to the tune of nature, and then comes to a final flourishing finish, having performed as well as it possibly could.
Watch this space @virtualstowaway Penny Bird is a professional photographer and writer documenting Atlantic Discovery's incredible journey.
MEET THE TEAM PREPARING THEMSELVES FOR THE WORLD'S TOUGHEST ROW
GUARANTEED SUGAR-LIKE HIGH FOR ZERO CALORIES
Attention all organisations in London City, Canary Wharf and Zurich: If you have an auditorium or large meeting room with a screen, and enthusiastic employees with 45 minutes to spare at lunchtime, why not invite them to bring their sandwiches along, and let Atlantic Discovery*: Ben, Cam, Isaac and Jack, blow their minds?
On 12 December 2018, Atlantic Discovery will set off from La Gomera in the Canaries, in a 28ft boat loaded with almost a tonne of manpower, supplies and equipment, to row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean. The journey will test their mental and physical endurance beyond anything they have faced before, draw on all their courage, resilience, camaraderie and spirit.
HOW ROWING THE ATLANTIC IS LIKE GOING TO THE OFFICE
Discover how this epic endurance challenge aligns with navigating the tough business landscape and hear about our early learnings, which we're using to help us feature in the 2018/19 race.
The talk plus Q&A session covers:
setting common goals
building a high performing team
how to self motivate and influence those around you
We'll share our learnings and best practices against the backdrop of our preparation to get race ready: team building, meticulous planning, the power of diversity, training and how to be best prepared for all eventualities. And, we'll demonstrate how this translates into driving stakeholder engagement, inspiring teams to stretch themselves, building strong personal connections and featuring against your competitors.
BECAUSE WE HAVE A STORY WORTH SHARING
Please note the team are offering talks free of charge to organisations. Attendees will be given the option to download an app so they can support the project - either the team or their nominated charities, but this is optional.
* There will be a minimum of two team members present at each talk, but wherever possible everyone will be there!
READY FOR YOUR ADRENALINE HIGH?
There are two options:
Get in touch - we're available up until the end of November 2018. Phone + 44 (0)7903 188 611 or email us at atlanticdiscovery2018@gmail.com.
Click on the button - see when we're free in the next few weeks and book immediately.
Watch this space @virtualstowaway Penny Bird is a professional photographer and writer documenting Atlantic Discovery's incredible journey.
FACING FOSSILS, DINOSAURS AND REPTILES TO RAISE MONEY FOR MS
Ah, Ben, Cam, Isaac and Jack always seem to do things a little differently - that's what's so special about my modern-day-adventurer-heroes. I love this team. So, why not join in a 100-kilometer run along the coast, erm, with a boat?
On Saturday 21 July 2018, Atlantic Discovery will be taking part in the Jurassic Coast Challenge. Instead of walking, running or jogging the route like the other 2,000 participants, they will be racing the lovely boat Ellida 60 km in the sea below the stunning 185-million-year-old-cliffs to raise money for Multiple Sclerosis charities. How cool is that!
OUR INSPIRATION #ROW4ROSE
I met Ben's mother Rose a few weeks ago - a very special lady who is the inspiration for the team's Atlantic crossing. She has beautiful greeny-blue Irish eyes, a touching smile, a spirit stronger and more enduring than the ocean currents, and a deep pride and love for her incredible son Ben Ajayi-Obe. She was diagnosed with MS when her daughter Emma was only 18 months old and it shifted her world. That was nearly 18 years ago.
Rose after her exercise class at the local community centre.
Probably what struck me most at our short meeting was her courage. She was doing a weekly exercise class, and it clearly took a great deal of guts to move her limbs, even attempt the stretches and exercises. Some of us would have given up, but she really tried. Ever so hard.
Ben told me that his mum finds every day a frustrating struggle, but that she fights her symptoms with sheer determination and grit.
He says: "She has taught me that one grows as a person by overcoming adversity."
What an example Rose is to us all.
So, put the date in your diary and come and cheer on this team of modern-day knights in shining MS t-shirts, astride a white boat, while they fight off dinosaurs and ferocious reptiles. And, if you can't make the event but want to show them how much their efforts matter, please click here to make a donation.
MEET THE ATLANTIC DISCOVERY TEAM - INCLUDING THE LOVELY ELLIDA
The Atlantic Discovery team will be available for visits from their adoring public on Saturday 21 July 2018 from 6am – 10am in the Jurassic Coastal Challenge tented village overlooking Poole, after which they will set off on the row.
Look out for their gazebo, meet our amazing team, and find out about:
safety (try on our life jackets/harnesses)
rowing and sleep routine (view our sleeping cabins)
training preparation (have a row on our erg - you could win an MS t-shirt)
multiple sclerosis (Meet Rose and representatives from The MS Society and the Berkshire MS Therapy Centre)
get our app (so you can support us!)
If any press would like interviews or photographs/filming, please contact Isaac Kenyon on the day on 07833 473157.
MS affects 100,000 people in the UK and 2.5m people worldwide. Our total fundraising target is £60K - we know this will make a difference to this disease.
Watch this space @virtualstowaway Penny Bird is a professional photographer and writer documenting Atlantic Discovery's incredible journey.
FINDING OUR HEART
THE STOWAWAY CLUB
From the start, the Atlantic Discovery team impressed me with their commitment to building relationships with everyone involved in their 3,000 mile row. They wanted to create a community of supporters: somewhere to show their gratitude and share regular inside-story updates on their progress.
I thought this was a remarkable concept, which reflects the team ethos perfectly: Isaac stands out for his genuine kindness, his thoughtfulness and constant consideration, Jack is the flirtatious charmer - a showman-bot, Ben is the rock-solid-heart-of-gold guy and Cam, well, take it from me, he is fun, irresistible and one of the most generous people I've ever met (yeah, yeah I know he's my brother!). But still.
So we set up the Stowaway Club. It's a FaceBook group and, thanks to your wonderful enthusiasm for this epic adventure, and our charities, the membership is growing day-by-day.
The Stowaway Club has turned out to be the heart and soul of our project.
THE FEEL GOOD FACTOR
I have been blown away by the number of hands that have stretched out to help us, but more than that, by their actions. By how they've taken time out of their busy lives to care. I've seen a side of human beings that is awe-inspiring. Uplifting. Extra. It's just so exciting! And it makes me, and the boys, feel so good.
People are giving freely to support the team and our chosen MS charities, thank you, accompanied with heartwarming, inspirational messages. But, they're also finding unique and special ways to add more value, from all over the globe:
Joe Hard in New York spent his 53rd birthday fundraising for us - using his extensive network of rowers and friends;
Amanda Higgins in South Africa has used her nutritional expertise to research high calorie, nutritional foods for the boys and is suggesting some healthy eating options;
The first four SwissRe stowaways in Zurich bought the team their vital Spinlock life vests - a photograph of this will follow soon.
Famke van Laren in New Zealand is sending over 10kg of her amazing topnotch macadamia nuts.
Magdalena Rijk Czaplinski in Zurich has been extremely helpful with suggestions of likely sponsors.
And, all ages are stepping up to help. Abigail Hay from Scotland visited us this week and wowed us with her ace cataloguing skillz! Together with Amelia and Ryan, they worked through over 1,000 sachets of dried food to help out their heroes.
THE RIPPLE EFFECT
All this generosity is having a phenomenal effect on the team. We set up the Stowaway Club to thank people and, instead, the members make us feel on top of the world. Ben, Isaac, Cam, Jack (and me) are going to finish this challenge having learned first hand the incredible power of a caring hand offered in help.
This adventure is making us all more humble, gracious and thoughtful. It is making us better human beings. And, I know, that one day in the future, when our turns come, this experience will make us stretch out our hands, and step forward to help, without a second thought.
Watch this space @virtualstowaway Penny Bird is a professional photographer and writer documenting Atlantic Discovery's incredible journey.
When Atlantic Discovery's ocean rowing boat Ellida sets off from La Gomera to cross the Atlantic, she will be carrying my heart, and many of yours, as stowaways, on an incredible adventure. If you'd like to be part of our story, become a Stowaway today!
PARTNER WITH US
Sponsoring Atlantic Discovery's crossing will showcase your brand and core values to more than 3 billion people worldwide. Stakeholder engagement will rocket as your staff and clients connect with this incredible story of human endeavour.
After last year's race Andrew Redmayne, CEO NRL Group said: “We’re privileged to have been able to sponsor the Four Oarsmen (winners) and share their journey, and see the unbelievable amount of money they have raised for their charities. Everyone at NRL is extremely proud of their tremendous, well-earned achievement.”
FOCUS ON SPONSORSHIP
It costs a team of four £100K to do the race. Ben, Cam, Isaac and Jack have all contributed significant personal savings, but need to raise the rest through sponsorship, and support from family and friends. So, it's no surprise that Atlantic Discovery's focus for the next few weeks will be finding sponsors to join them on this life-changing journey.
They've already done the easy bits: making detailed lists based on relationships and affinity; pinpointing organisation decision-makers; researching sponsorship policies; finetuning sponsorship packages; preparing elevator pitches (#keeponpracticing); printing the amazing leave-behind brochures compiled by race organisers Atlantic Campaigns (thanks Nikki!) - and now it's time to get out there and ASK!
Oooooo... it's so hard. I can literally feel the team members squirming. Even I'm squirming and I don't have to do the asking! They would much rather be out to sea rowing around the world than saying the words: "Would-you-sponsor-us-forty-thousand-pounds-to-row-the-Atlantic?" (That's the top package btw)
On the face of it, its a no-brainer
an extreme adventure - everybody loves a story of human triumph over adversity
global brand exposure - the race reach last year was 3.5 billion people worldwide
motivational public speaking - on team building, on the journey
established digital assets (website, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter)
boat visits (for the primary and secondary team sponsors)
writing skills - for blogs, press releases, etc
professional photographs
opportunity to contribute to our fundraising drive for Multiple Sclerosis
Sounds good, doesn't it? So what's holding us back?
I think there are two reasons:
First off, this is an adventure. Even though we're committed to raising £60K for Multiple Sclerosis, at the same time we are looking for sponsors to part-fund the crossing. In competition for this support are a plethora of groups and organisations raising money for basic human needs and causes: surely more worthy than four guys in a boat doing a rowing race across the Atlantic?
I'm with Richard Branson on this one: "...adventures should be a top priority." Where would we be without the great adventurers and pioneers of our world? Where would we get our inspiration from, the examples of human endeavour that lift us up and make us believe in the power of our minds?
Second, is confidence. Not one of the team members has ever approached an organisation for sponsorship before - it is way out of our comfort zones, new ground, pretty scary. A great learning opportunity, for sure, and, the worst that can happen is rejection, isn't it? But it is still as daunting as a 40ft wave ahead, and we've got to row up the mountain of water and surf down the other side. Wish us luck over the next few weeks! I'll let you know how we get on.
If you are an organisation interested in putting your logo on this blank canvas, please have a look at our packages on offer and get in touch!
In addition to corporate or business sponsorship packages, we've set up a Stowaway Club for personal contributions.
Or, support our chosen Multiple Sclerosis charities here.
Watch this space @virtualstowaway Penny Bird is a professional photographer and writer documenting Atlantic Discovery's incredible journey.
Tagged: richardbranson, adventure, twac2018, atlanticcampaigns, talisker, atlanticdiscovery, sponsorship, fundraising
There is something, almost primal, about watching a rowing boat, powered simply with hearts and minds, harness the energy of the seemingly relentless sea.
This weekend I was invited to join Atlantic Discovery for their second two-day training session. I was honoured to meet Ellida for the first time, the most important member of the team. She is a beauty; with long clean lines, grace and strength, and a backbone of experience: 2018/19 will be her fifth Atlantic crossing.
A GLIMPSE OF THEIR DREAM
First on the agenda was a session of open ocean drills at Weymouth on the Dorset coastline. My task was to take some photographs of the team on the water. From the moment we left the protection of the harbour walls, the brisk breeze and bumpy sea made the boys come alive: their eyes lit up and they braced themselves for the rough water, carefully alert, feeling the boat respond beneath them, learning how she handled the swell, surfing a few waves and, of course, finding time for selfies.
Watching them from my privileged position on the support rib, I felt a deep sense of awe and respect. And, I understood. Atlantic Discovery, and the beautiful Ellida, are going to cross the Atlantic together. This is what they have all signed up for. The adventure. The challenge. The hardship. The extreme journey. The exhilaration of meeting the elements head on.
Today they glimpsed their dream.
After a fantastic morning on the water, the boys stripped and polished Ellida and finished the day with a frank discussion about where they were as a team. I was impressed. The team only formed a couple of months ago and they are very different people. They were honest and mature in the way gave feedback to each other and, I felt, began to the lay the foundations for growth. It would seem that this team understand the importance of communication - a critical success factor for their mission.
"I HATE BOATS!"
Sunday was spent with ocean-rowing legend and multiple world record holder Angus Collins in his capacity as project manager at Rannoch Adventure. Between me and you, this guy has a cuteness factor (oops sorry, coolness factor) of 10.
Angus Collins, Rannoch Adventure
He gave Ellida a thorough going over - checking her equipment, giving advice on how to maximise efficiency, and he spent quite a long time upside down with his head in one or other of her hatches. Hilariously, I heard him mumble on at least two occasions: "I hate boats!". Considering he has racked up 10,000 miles of rowing - in boats - this greatly appealed to my sense of humour. It's clear Angus LOVES boats and knows every inch of them!
Observing Angus sharing his passion for adventure and endurance, and hard earned learnings with the team, and seeing their absolute absorption in his every word, it was clear his coaching and advice more than hit the spot. The training session left the team inspired and motivated - a real high point in the early stages of their adventure.
Launching with the rudder fitted
At one point Angus asked the team what their objective for the race. There answer was a surprise to me: it appears Atlantic Discovery has a competitive streak. Oh my. This journey just gets more and more interesting.
Watch this space @virtualstowaway Penny Bird is a professional photographer and writer documenting Atlantic Discovery's incredible journey.
Tagged: #twac2018 #atlanticcampaigns #madebythesea #talisker #atlantic #3000miles #atlanticdiscovery #row4rose #bepartofourstory #multiplesclerosis #msresearch #msawareness #oceanrowing #rowing, #weymouth #seatrials #therace #competition #anguscollins #rowwithrannoch
"There is no passion to be found playing small - in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living." Nelson Mandela
Have you ever done anything right out there? On the borderline of crazy and inspirational? Space travel? Extreme endurance sports or a super-tough mental challenge?
A team of four, Atlantic Discovery, are launching themselves into the unknown, risking all, leaping out of their comfort zones... and, there's no going back. They are going to row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic. Their boat needs to be fully equipped for 60 days at sea on departure - as they aren't able to accept any help of rescue, repair, food or water during the race...
My name is Penny aka @virtualstowaway. I'm Cameron's sister (he's the gorgeous guy on the left) - and I've volunteered to write the blogs for the team. Which means I get to eavesdrop on the team's planning meetings and, I'm even going on a row with them soon. I can't wait to board the lovely Ellida!
Being privy to the project plan and the all consuming activity has made me realise the enormity of this crossing; I'm feeling excited, and a little nervous. This journey is going to grow and stretch each of these guys to their outermost physical and mental limits. But, wow, what a life-changing opportunity.
They got together for the first time about six weeks ago, and already the learnings from each other and about each other are exponential.
Different, but determined
Yes, very different people. Ben is a genuine standup guy (he's in the pink shirt). Crossing the Atlantic was his idea and he is inspired by his mum Rose (#row4rose). She has MS and sets the bar very high with her grit and determination to overcome the hidden symptoms of this disease. So, Ben is going to put his grit and determination to work and raise £60K for the MS Society and Berkshire MS Therapy Centre. Both charities have made a substantial difference to the quality of his mum's life. Go Ben!
Isaac is the social guy (in the tie). A big smile, trendy, and up for most things. An opportunist who loves adventure and travel and I'm sure he is going to be the morale booster on the boat. What I particularly love about Isaac is that he has a dream: to be a geological explorer working on pioneering projects in places like Antartica. I know you'll get there Isaac - I have every faith in you!
Then there's Jack (the one who's talking!). He's an all-or-nothing kind of guy (but delete the nothing bit - I doubt that comes about very often). Charming and articulate, Jack is a cyber security researcher (secretly a bot) who loves a challenge. He is so keen to cross the Atlantic, I feel sure he would walk across if he had to!
The fourth member of Atlantic Discovery is my bro, Cam. He's my hero: an intuitive, wise and extremely generous person with a seriously fun side. Cam has worked for SwissRe for 20 years and is taking a sabbatical for the crossing. He is incredibly resourceful and a great problem-solver.
This group of people have three things in common: they're genuine, determined, adventure-seekers. Together they have a great set of complementary skills and experience. And, they're gonna rock the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge 2018/19.
Watch this space @virtualstowaway Penny Bird is a professional photographer and writer documenting Atlantic Discovery's incredible journey.