A woman from the Hebrides has set a new world record after rowing across the Atlantic Ocean with two crewmates in 41 days, one hour and 57 minutes. Emma Wolstenholme, 43, a former RAF officer now living on the isle of Grimsay, was part of the three-person team that became the oldest mixed trio to cross an ocean by rowing boat.
The crew, named Call to Earth, rowed unsupported from the Canary Islands to Antigua, covering 3,000 miles. They faced high winds, mid-ocean repairs to a broken rowlock, and encountered marine life including a turtle trapped in fishing net, which they rescued and filmed. They spent Christmas and New Year's Day at sea, having set off on 14 December and arrived on 24 January.
Wolstenholme described the voyage as a “call to action” to innovate, conserve and protect the planet. “From rescuing the turtle from fishing nets, to how we make our water from sea water, via the solar-powered desalination device, I hope it has made everyone think again about looking after our planet,” she said. The row was sponsored by Water Plus, a business water retailer, to highlight the importance of saving water and reducing carbon emissions.
Crewmate Stacey Rivers, 50, a chief innovation officer at a robotics company, drew parallels between the row and tackling climate change. “Every oar stroke counts, just like every small action we take to protect our planet,” she said. The team is also raising funds for marine conservation and climate initiatives.
