Week One on the Atlantic: Settling In, Big Seas & Record-Breaking Moments

Week one on the Atlantic has been nothing short of intense, exhilarating and unforgettable. After months (and years) of preparation, the team have well and truly settled into life at sea — learning the rhythms of the boat, the ocean and each other.

Conditions early in the week were kind. With steady north–north-easterly winds around 18 knots, the boat found her groove quickly, averaging speeds of 3 to 4.5 knots over the ground. The sun was out, batteries charging well, Starlink online, and morale high. Watch systems were established early: solo night watches of one hour on, two hours off, and daytime rotations of two hours rowing, one hour resting. It’s relentless, but it works.

As the days progressed, the Atlantic began to show more of her character. By day four, the team were navigating a 4-metre following sea and strong winds overnight — conditions that demanded focus, teamwork and trust in the boat. The reward? Surfing down swells at nearly 7 knots and making excellent ground. Despite a more confused sea state the following day, progress remained strong.

Wildlife encounters quickly became a highlight. A lone bird has taken to circling the boat daily, appearing like a quiet companion on the journey. Pods of dolphins — including spinners launching themselves metres into the air — passed close by, lifting spirits during long hours on the oars. Flying fish skimmed the wave crests, and later in the week, a truly unforgettable visitor appeared: a curious six-foot blue shark, calmly cruising alongside the stern before disappearing back into the deep. Safe to say, hull-cleaning swims are off the agenda for now.

Day five and six brought bigger seas again, gusts of 20–30 knots, rain squalls and cold, damp nights. Autopilot has been working hard, though the team made the call to hand-steer during heavy cloud cover to conserve power — a physically demanding but ultimately rewarding decision that paid off in improved performance. Despite overcast skies limiting solar charging at times, good winds allowed the team to push hard and maintain speeds between 4.5 and 6.8 knots when rowing in pairs.

Life on board is now a carefully choreographed routine. Off-watch hours disappear quickly into eating, cleaning, hydrating, planning meals, navigating and grabbing precious rest. Even the smallest comforts — a quick wash, dry clothes, or a warm meal — feel like luxuries. As one update put it: “All I think about is food… which is most unlike me.”

The fleet remains tightly packed, with boats passing within close proximity during the night. News of another crew requiring evacuation was a sobering reminder of how unforgiving the ocean can be, and thoughts remain with them.

And then came a milestone worth celebrating: during day nine, the team learned they have officially become the oldest trio crew to ever row across any ocean — a world record already secured. They are currently sitting 15th overall and first mixed trio in class, with many miles still to go and everything still to play for.

As storms loom to the north, the team have adjusted course slightly south to stay clear, continuing to make smart, safety-first decisions while pushing forward with determination and grit.

From big seas and squalls to dolphins, sharks and record-breaking achievements, week one has delivered it all. Spirits remain high, bodies are tired, and the adventure is very real. Thank you to everyone following along — there is so much more to come.