One Man. One Boat. 3,000 miles of ocean
Atlantic Solo Row - December 2023 - February 2024
69 days, 17 hours, and 56 minutes later…..
After 69 days, 17 hours, and 56 minutes of relentless determination, Jamie triumphantly completed his grueling journey, rowing across the finish line at English Harbour, Antigua, on February 20th.
Facing treacherous waves, seasickness, and even a harrowing Marlin attack that punctured the boat's hull, Jamie conquered the daunting 3000-mile row across the Atlantic Ocean.
Jamie took this extraordinary challenge on to help raise funds for these 2 very different charities and which are close to his heart.
1 in 200 people in the UK suffer from Axial Spondyloarthritis a life changing condition. For Jamie this has meant fusing in his neck and lower back. NASS tirelessly works to support sufferers and raises awareness both with the general public but also with the UK Government.
Openseas is a small Scottish based charity, which campaigns for a Healthy Seabed around the Scottish Coast. The present destruction and degradation of the seabed is alarming. Being raised on a remote island on the West of Scotland and Jamie has witnessed this at first hand. This is for our children's future.
THE CHALLENGE
The Atlantic Challenge is the premier event in ocean rowing and the Worlds toughest row – A challenge that will take rowers more than 3000 Miles west from San Sebastian in La Gomera, Spain to Nelson’s Dockyard, English Harbour, Antigua.
The race takes participants over 3,000 miles unaided across the Atlantic Ocean. More people have reached the summit of Everest or travelled into space than have successfully rowed an ocean.
The annual race begins in early December, with up to 30 teams participating from around the world. The race structure brings together an environment where teams from across the globe gather in the race village San Sebastian in La Gomera, Canary Islands. The atmosphere is electric as people help each other prepare for the challenge of the mighty Atlantic Ocean. All with the same objective – to take on the unique experience of crossing an ocean in a rowing boat.
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There is no toilet on board – rowers use a bucket!
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The average rower loses around 8kg during the crossing.
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Each team will row in excess of 1.5 million oar strokes during a race.
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The waves that the rowers experience can measure up to 20ft high.
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At its deepest, the Atlantic Ocean is 8.5km / 5.28 miles deep.
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Rowers burn in excess of 5,000 calories per day.
“Please join me in supporting Jamie (Atlantic Rowmad) with his Solo Atlantic Rowing Challenge and help raise funds for 2 important Charities”
The Challenger - Jamie Howard
‘Like A Moth drawn to a Flame’ perhaps most accurately describes my obsession with this desire to row the Atlantic. I love a nice soft bed, a good night’s sleep, great food, and being warm and dry – go figure.
Anyway to cut to the chase, I cannot quite put my finger on the chief motivating factor but I do know that the seed was sown in 2019 watching Atlantic rowers arrive at Nelson’s Harbour Antigua. Maybe a few Rum Punches at Shirley heights were part of it too! Anyway I’m excited at the prospect but daunted by the vast amount of preparation required to be at the start line on 12th December 2023. I shall be 67 years old by then.
In some ways my life’s experiences have prepared me for this very moment. I was raised on the wee Scottish Island of Gometra, subsequently living on the neighbouring island of Ulva. Rowing small boats was a regular activity during these years. I also rowed in racing 8’s at school. So I can at least row!
I was a member of HM Armed Forces for 6 years. This taught me mental resilience and discipline, another key requirement for a successful 3,000 mile ocean Row. In addition, I hope that many years living in relative isolation will help me cope with being solo out on the Atlantic for 2 months or so.
The physical aspect of the impending row is huge, and I do suffer from Ankylosing Spondylitis, an Arthiritic condition. I have fusing in my lower back and neck. However with appropriate training and preparation I will be ready to go at the start line in La Gomera.
At the end of the day I hope to have a fund of amazing new memories and raise funds and awareness for the 2 brilliant charities, NASS and Openseas, and any sponsors that may come on board.
I cannot wait to get out onto the Atlantic Ocean, help these two charities, and be an inspiration to my gorgeous Grandchildren, and our future.
Official Supporters
THE CAUSE
I have decided to try to do something to raise awareness, and funds, for not only the Marine Charity, Openseas.org, but also NASS (National Axial Spondyloarthritis Society). I currently suffer from Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), a Chronic Arthritic condition, which in my case has resulted in fusing in my neck and lower spine. However, this does not stop me from enjoying my passions of ski-mountaineering, long-distance walking, scuba diving and, of course, boating.
NASS is a fantastic charity which supports people with AS. 1 in 200 people in the UK suffer from AS and NASS is the primary source of information for people with this condition. NASS also works tirelessly to spread information and awareness of the condition to the wider public and Government.
Openseas.org is a wonderful marine charity based in Scotland. The team monitors the health of our seas and lobbies Government for changes and oversight of Marine Protected Areas (MPA’s) around the coast of Scotland.
