World’s Toughest Row

We were incredibly honoured to welcome Emma and Imy from Force Atlantic to speak with our students yesterday. Force Atlantic were the first all-female British Army Ocean Rowing Team to complete the world’s toughest row – a 3,000-mile journey from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua in the Caribbean.  

The team’s remarkable journey took them 46 days and 55 minutes, and they reached the finish line on the 26th of January 2025. Along the way, they faced numerous challenges, from extreme weather conditions to physical and mental exhaustion. Despite some of the rowers having no prior rowing experience before taking on the challenge, their determination, preparation and teamwork saw them through to success. 

During their visit, Emma and Imy gave a brilliant presentation to our students, sharing the inspiring story of their journey and the rigorous preparation that went into it. They brought along some of the equipment they used during the row, including harnesses, rations, and coats, giving our students a unique opportunity to see these items up close and understand the challenges they faced in more detail. 

Through their challenge, they’ve raised over £16,000 so far, aiming to create a lasting legacy and inspire others to believe in what’s possible. If you’d like to support their cause and contribute to the legacy they’re building, please consider donating to their JustGiving page. The team is continuing to raise funds for The Girls’ Network, and every donation helps empower more women to pursue their dreams. You can donate here: JustGiving – Force Atlantic. 

We are extremely grateful to Force Atlantic for taking the time to visit us and share their experience. Their story has undoubtedly inspired our students to believe that with hard work and self-belief, they can overcome any obstacle and achieve their goals. We are sure that many of our students will take this message to heart and continue to push themselves to be the best they can be.