Hebrides Adventurer Completes Record-Breaking Atlantic Row for Climate Cause
In an extraordinary feat of endurance and environmental advocacy, a woman from the Hebrides has completed a record-breaking 3,000-mile row across the Atlantic Ocean. Emma Wolstenholme, aged 43 and hailing from Grimsay near North Uist, was part of a three-person crew that undertook this monumental unsupported journey from the Canary Islands to Antigua.
Historic Crossing Achieved in Just Over 41 Days
The intrepid team, which also included Stacey Rivers (50) and John Hammond (63), completed their voyage in an impressive 41 days, one hour, and 57 minutes. This remarkable achievement has secured their place in the record books as the oldest mixed trio ever to cross an ocean by rowing boat. Their expedition began on December 14th and concluded on January 24th, meaning they spent both Christmas Day and New Year's Day battling the Atlantic waves.
During their relentless journey, the crew maintained a gruelling schedule of round-the-clock rowing in shifts. They faced significant challenges, including battling high winds that necessitated mid-ocean repairs to a broken rowlock at one particularly testing stage. Despite these hardships, the team persevered, driven by their mission to draw attention to pressing environmental issues.
Marine Encounters and Environmental Mission
The voyage provided numerous encounters with marine life, including a memorable moment when the crew rescued a turtle that had become entangled in fishing nets – an incident they captured on video. This rescue underscored the very environmental concerns that motivated their expedition.
Ms Wolstenholme, a former RAF officer who originally hails from Burnley but now calls Grimsay home, described the voyage as a powerful "call to action." She emphasised how their journey evolved from a personal endurance challenge into a meaningful mission with global significance.
"Our row is a call to action – to innovate, conserve, and protect our planet," she stated. "From rescuing the turtle from fishing nets, to how we make our water from sea water via our solar-powered desalination device, I hope it has made everyone think again about looking after our planet. What began as an endurance challenge has evolved into a mission with meaning."
Corporate Sponsorship and Continued Advocacy
The crew's boat, named Call to Earth, carried them across the Atlantic while symbolising their environmental message. Their expedition was sponsored by business water retailer Water Plus, with the specific aim of highlighting the critical importance of water conservation and reducing carbon emissions.
Ms Wolstenholme expressed gratitude for this support, noting: "Having Water Plus back our team all the way amplified our call for action and turned a wild adventure into a truly meaningful illustration of what we can achieve together, championing the benefits in taking climate actions."
The team continues to seek fundraising opportunities for marine conservation and climate initiatives, urging the public to share their story to help magnify their environmental message.
Parallels Between Rowing and Climate Action
Fellow crew member Stacey Rivers, who serves as chief innovation officer at a robotics company, drew powerful parallels between their physical challenge and the broader fight against climate change.
"Through exhaustion, aching bodies, and raw hands, the team has adapted – fixing damaged equipment, managing water production, and making the most of every mile gained," she reflected. "Every oar stroke counts, just like every small action we take to protect our planet. Climate change is accelerating, and while the challenges can appear vast, solutions exist."
Tony McHardy, managing director of Water Plus, echoed this sentiment, emphasising how small actions can accumulate into substantial results: "Just like every oar stroke by the incredible Call to Earth crew, every small action with water counts and can see reduced carbon emissions, wider efficiencies and cut utility costs."
This record-breaking Atlantic row stands as both an extraordinary athletic achievement and a powerful demonstration of how individual actions can contribute to global environmental solutions. The crew's journey across the vast ocean serves as a compelling metaphor for the collective effort required to address the pressing challenges of climate change and marine conservation.
