Our Partners
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Ahoy!
Welcome to The Ocean Oarsmen!
Meet Ben and Henry, two mildly competent oarsmen with big ambition! Thus far, we've tackled the Thames as river rowers but now have our sights set on rowing the Atlantic in aid of raising £50,000 for Alexander Devine Children's Hospice.
Meet the Crew
Ben
Henry
Henry
When Ben isn't in a boat, you'll find him engrossed in an adventure book pondering the life of turtles under the sea or building LEGO.
"This is an epic challenge, and the journey to the start line is as exciting as the prospect of taking on the Atlantic itself. The people I've met have been truly inspiring and the team at Alexander Devine
When Ben isn't in a boat, you'll find him engrossed in an adventure book pondering the life of turtles under the sea or building LEGO.
"This is an epic challenge, and the journey to the start line is as exciting as the prospect of taking on the Atlantic itself. The people I've met have been truly inspiring and the team at Alexander Devine Children's Hospice are incredible. It's an honor to be working with them and to utilise this challenge to make a positive impact in my local community."
His rowing journey started at Windsor Boys School from the age of 14 where he discovered a true passion for watersports. During the 2012 Olympics Ben had the privilege of rowing the Olympic torch during the torch relay! He currently trains alongside Henry at Maidenhead Rowing Club.
Henry
Henry
Henry
Happiest in either a wetsuit or a pair of wellies, Henry tries to spend much of his time outside and on the water. With a couple of screws loose, Henry is well adapted to rowing an ocean.
"Sailing the Atlantic would have been too easy, so here we are about to row it. I'm sure I'll live to regret saying that when we're being spun round l
Happiest in either a wetsuit or a pair of wellies, Henry tries to spend much of his time outside and on the water. With a couple of screws loose, Henry is well adapted to rowing an ocean.
"Sailing the Atlantic would have been too easy, so here we are about to row it. I'm sure I'll live to regret saying that when we're being spun round like a washing machine but rowing presents the ultimate adventure. We have a fantastic cause to motivate us and the possibility of making a real difference"
Henry's rowing career is far less illustrious than Ben's having only learnt to row in 2019. He enjoys most watersports but is particularly fond of surfing and paddleboading. He trains alongside Ben at Maidenhead Rowing Club with the mighty Senior Men squad.
The Race
World’s Toughest Row – Atlantic
3000 miles of hot, fierce & diverse Atlantic ocean, racing from the volcanic shores La Gomera, Canary Islands, Spain (28°N 17°W) to Nelson’s Dockyard, English Harbour, Antigua and Barbuda (17°N 62°W).
Teams battle with sleep deprivation, salt sores, and physical extremes inflicted by the race. Rowers are left with their own thoughts, an expanse of the ocean and the job of getting the boat safely to the other side.
Race Facts
- Each team will row in excess of 1.5 million strokes during the race
- Rowers will row for 2 hours and sleep for 2 hours, constantly, 24hours a day
- In an average year, more people summit Mt Everest the have EVER rowed an ocean
- At its deepest, the Atlantic Ocean is 8.5km/5.28miles deep
- The waves that rowers experience can measure 20ft high
- Rowers burn in excess of 5ooo calories a day
The Boat
This is what we'll be calling home for the duration of the unsupported crossing.
Specifically designed for two rowers, this 7.32 meter marvel of fiberglass construction features two cabins and room for provisions and equipment such a solar powered energy systems and watermakers.
Our Charity - Alexander Devine
Alexander Devine Children's Hospice Service provides vital support to children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, and their families, across Berkshire and the surrounding counties.
Their support is delivered by a dedicated and passionate team which includes respite care, specialist play, symptom management, family support, end of life care and bereavement support.
By partnering and donating to Ocean Oarsmen, you'll be enabling us to support Alexander Devine Children's Hospice in extending their reach and services across Berkshire providing specialist play and care to seriously ill children.
See our Partnership Packages below to explore how you can help us raise £50,000.