In December 2023, a Jersey rowing team will set out to create a world record in the one of the most brutal, physical and mental rowing challenges.
‘Intrepid232’ is a Jersey rowing team made up of four local mums, Rosemary Satchwell, Alison Smithurst, Helene Monpetit and Julie Brady.
Launching from San Sebastian in La Gomera, Canary Islands and travelling west arriving at Nelson’s Dockyard, English Harbour, Antigua 3,000 miles later.
They are anticipating the crossing will take between 45 and 70 days, depending on weather conditions.
The team told Channel Eye that to complete this premier event in ocean rowing, they will have to be totally self-sufficient, rowing unassisted for 3000 miles. To put it in context more people have scaled Everest or travelled to space than have successfully crossed the Atlantic in a rowing boat.
“As a team of busy working mums we want to show that age and gender are not obstacles in achieving something you really want to do, and believe strongly in the power of our combined team focus to achieve this goal.
“Along the way we wish to raise funds for two charities close to our hearts; the Grace Crocker Foundation and the Blue Marine Foundation.
“This incredible adventure will push us to the extremes being the ultimate test of mind and body.”
What the team will endure:
- Sleep deprivation, sea sickness and hunger
- Brutal sea conditions including 20-60ft waves
- Rowing 2hrs on 2hrs off
- Salt sores and blisters
- Over 1.5 million oar strokes
- Sub-zero to 35 degrees Celsius
- Each rower will drink 10ltrs of water per day
- No toilet on board – hello bucket!
- Rowers burn in excess of 5,000 calories per day
