A team of history-making junior rank soldiers from the British Army is taking on an incredible challenge starting today – rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean in the 'World's Toughest Row'.
Bombardier Devine and Bombardier Cutting prepare their boat for sailing by attaching a safety line.
The team training in Thorney Island.
Left to right Gunner Mackenzie, Bombardier Devine, Bombardier Wratten-Wood, Bombardier Cutting, Lance Bombardier Sawyer.
A team first
The foursome, from 12th Regiment Royal Artillery, is the first Army team, called Force Atlantic, consisting entirely of junior rank soldiers to compete in the race, and they have been training hard for months.
The group includes Bombardier Katie Devine, Bombardier Olie Cutting, Bombardier Vicki Wratten-Wood, and Gunner Emma Mackenzie, who stepped in as a last-minute replacement for injured Lance Bombardier Travis Sawyer.
The race starts in La Gomera, Canary Islands, and ends in Antigua. The journey will take approximately six weeks, depending on the weather.
Team skipper Katie said: “I’m very excited for the experience as it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and something I will remember for the rest of my career.
“Each day the team is getting stronger and stronger, and I’m so pleased with where we’re at for the beginning of the race.”
Overcoming setbacks
The team faced a big challenge even before the race began. Travis, a key member, was injured just two months before the start. Emma, the team’s reserve, stepped up to take his place.
Travis said: “After training for a year, it’s been incredibly hard not to let disappointment take over.
“While I won’t be on the oars anymore, I’ll continue supporting the team behind the scenes and wish them every success and a safe crossing.”
Emma added: “I am so excited about this opportunity, and I’m really glad I’ve stayed with the team throughout their training.
“It’s given me the best chance now that I have been stepped up from the team reserve.
“The support from everyone has been incredible, and we’re all ready to take on this adventure together.”
“The size of the boat won’t allow for much, but marking special occasions, taking the time to enjoy what we are doing, having great relationships with the rest of the team and, of course, singing, dancing and telling the worst jokes to each other will help to keep our morale up.”
Team spirit on the high seas
The row will be tough, with the team working in two-hour shifts, battling broken sleep, and facing unpredictable weather in their small 8.5-metre boat.
Olie said: “The size of the boat won’t allow for much, but marking special occasions, taking the time to enjoy what we are doing, having great relationships with the rest of the team and, of course, singing, dancing and telling the worst jokes to each other will help to keep our morale up.”
The team hopes to finish their journey in mid-January, proud to represent the Army’s junior ranks and is aiming for a strong finish.