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Ocean rowers set new world record for fastest female team around Great Britain

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A team of six ocean rowers has set a new Guinness World Record for the fastest female team to complete the GB Row Challenge.

They’ve battled torrential rain, strong winds, lightning and thunder, while rowing two hours on and two hours off for the last 44 days. 

Departing from Tower Bridge in London on 4 June, the crew of ‘Team Ithaca’ has rowed continuously and unsupported for 2,000 miles around the entire coast of Great Britain. 

Skipper, Emma Wolstenholme, said: “We’re absolutely ecstatic that we have broken the world record and a little bit relieved that it’s all over after the constant headwinds down the East coast. The GB coastline is beautiful and I feel privileged to have seen it from the water. 

“My highlight has been seeing the team dig deep, as I pushed them hard in often harsh conditions and my low came when we realised we weren’t going to make a Tuesday finish due to even more headwinds, with family already at the finish line waiting for us. I’m looking forward to being able to walk around, have showers and also to sleep in a bed!”

In addition to completing this remarkable feat, the team has collected valuable data on microplastics, temperature, noise pollution and biodiversity, which will be analysed by scientists at the University of Portsmouth.

They’ve collected microplastics using a specially designed sampling system, thanks to an innovative collaboration between University of Portsmouth scientists, and engineers from Harwin and Porvair Filtration Group.

Dr Fay Couceiro, expert in biogeochemistry and environmental pollution at the University of Portsmouth, said: "I’m delighted to see all the rowers back safe and sound, beating a world record no less! This is an amazing achievement on its own, made more so by their commitment to collect an incredible scientific dataset whilst rowing. 

“The team has collected over 1,000 hours of underwater sound data, over 80 eDNA samples for biodiversity analysis, over 40 microplastic pollution samples, and a comprehensive UK wide sea surface temperature data set during the worst marine heatwave we have experienced. I am truly thankful for their fortitude in collecting this data for us, and I am eager to get the samples and data back to our labs for analysis."

Their boat ‘Challenger’ has recorded 2.8 terabytes of underwater noise pollution data. 

Ryan Mowat, Director of Fisheries and Research from RS Aqua, said: “Using our new Porpoise OB1 underwater noise recorder has meant that for the first time they are recording high fidelity underwater noise without pause throughout their journey. 

“This is a world first and opens lots of opportunities for research. The data will help us study wildlife, such as whales and dolphins, and identify noise pollution along our coastline.”

The team is also collecting temperature data using a fin-embedded sensor. 

Ryan added: “By comparing this year's data with those of previous years, researchers hope to gain insight into how the warming of the oceans has affected patterns and behaviours of marine life around the UK.

“Massive kudos to the incredible team of the 2023 challenge who’ve smashed the previous record.” 

Samples of Environmental DNA (eDNA) were collected using an automatic pumping system, which will provide data on biodiversity. 

GB Row Challenge Founder, William de Laszlo, has completed the challenge twice. He said: “It’s just awesome to have the rowers home after 44 days at sea, what a team! They have shown exceptional resilience, unwavering determination and an unbreakable spirit. 

“The data they have collected is mind-blowing and we look forward to the impact report, which will build on last year’s data giving us an even better picture of the many challenges facing British coastal waters.

“Viewing the UK from the outside in is an amazing adventure and they have navigated complex tidal streams, shipping lanes, and of course our wonderful British weather, to complete the world’s toughest rowing race and help protect this beautiful diverse island we live on.

“With every stroke of the oar they’ve shown dedication to making a positive impact on the environment by collecting data that will help us to understand our fragile ocean ecosystems. Great job Team Ithaca, you have made Great Britain proud.”  

Ben Green, Harwin’s Head of Sustainability, added: “The performance by Team Ithaca has been nothing short of exceptional. We're proud to support their endeavour and look forward to seeing the results of the vital data they've gathered."  

Local children inspired to think about ocean pollution during GB Row Challenge school visit

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Pupils from Horndean Junior School in Hampshire spent yesterday afternoon learning about how the rowers taking part in GB Row Challenge are collecting vital scientific data.

Scientist Dr Fay Couceiro from the University of Portsmouth talked to pupils about the GB Row Challenge, a 2,000 mile journey around Great Britain, which aims to shed light on ocean pollution. 

The children learnt that one bin lorry of plastic is dumped in the world’s oceans every one minute. They listened to the sound of shrimp and dolphins recorded during last year’s challenge. And they discovered that noise pollution is an especially big problem for marine animals like whales who use sound to communicate with each other. 

The eight and nine-year-olds also got to look at a 10-metre Rossiter ocean rowing boat named ‘Intrepid’, which is fitted with specialist equipment to gather data on microplastics, environmental DNA (eDNA), temperature, noise pollution and salinity. 

Dr Couceiro said: “Nine out of every 10 marine species in the whole world live on the coast, very close to land, which is why it’s really important to gather data and keep our coastal waters healthy. Most of the interesting species are right on our doorstep!  

“We hope that by sharing this exciting pairing of sport and science, the children will be inspired to think about the impact of human activities on the environment and what their role might be in future to contribute to a cleaner, healthier planet.

“We’re grateful to the students, teachers, and staff at the school for their warm welcome and enthusiasm for this pioneering project.”

Dr Couceiro talked about the rowing team of six women who are currently circumnavigating Great Britain. They set off from Tower Bridge, London, on Sunday 4 June and have spent 34 days at sea. The data they collect will be analysed by Dr Couceiro and scientists at the University of Portsmouth. 

The team has battled strong winds, torrential rain and complex tidal streams to collect data, but skipper, Emma Wolstenholme, managed to send a special video message to the children and showed them how they collect microplastics from the boat.

Dr Couceiro added: “One of the most significant outcomes of this research will be the development of a comprehensive map showing the distribution of ocean pollution around the UK. The project is spanning four years, so each year we can identify trends and track changes in environmental data over time. 

“This map is the first of its kind and will serve as a powerful visual representation of environmental challenges, which we hope will drive informed decision-making for a more sustainable future.”

If the female rowing team finishes the challenge within 50 days, they’ll break a Guinness World record for the fastest female team and first female team of six to have ever completed the row.

GB Row Challenge Founder, William de Laszlo, said: "By involving the younger generation, we not only educate them about the environmental impact of human actions but also empower them to become catalysts for change. Through this initiative, we aim to inspire a sense of responsibility, instil a passion for science, and foster a deep appreciation for our planet's delicate ecosystems.”

Image shows Dr Fay Couceiro showing the children microplastics through a microscope

Rowing crew navigates world’s most dangerous stretch of water to head south

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A team of six women - who are rowing 2,000 miles around Great Britain - have successfully navigated a dangerous stretch of water between Orkney and the Scottish mainland, and are now heading south.

The Pentland Firth is widely known as one of the world’s most treacherous channels because of its powerful tidal streams. The strait joins the North Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea. 

‘Team Ithaca’ is currently circumnavigating Great Britain in the GB Row Challenge, the  toughest rowing challenge in the world. 

They’ve been rowing for the last 25 days and if they finish within 50, they’ll break a Guinness World record for the fastest female team and first team of six to have ever completed the row.

Jim Bastin, Director of Operations for GB Row Challenge, said: “As extreme endurance challenges go, they don't come much tougher than this one. It's great to see the team progressing so well and we’re all looking forward to welcoming them back to Tower Bridge, London, soon.”

While rowing, the team is making an enormous contribution to an ocean pollution map of UK waters as they collect important data on microplastics, temperature, noise pollution, and biodiversity.

So far they have collected 19 samples of microplastics using a specially designed sampling system, thanks to an innovative collaboration between University of Portsmouth scientists and engineers from Harwin and Porvair Filtration Group.

Ben Green, Harwin’s Head of Sustainability, said: “The performance by Team Ithaca has been nothing short of exceptional. They’ve now completed more than 50 percent of this epic journey, collecting vital data as they go. Harwin is very proud to sponsor this endeavour and wishes the team all the best as they make their way back to Tower Bridge."

The team has also collected 37 samples of Environmental DNA (eDNA) using an automatic pumping system, which will provide data on biodiversity. 

Rower and cyber security expert Amy Wood is no stranger to sport and adventure. She rowed the Atlantic at the age of 25, has represented England at karate and competed internationally in gymnastics. 

Amy said: “We’ve seen some incredible sights and still have awesome places to pass, but it also now feels like we’re on the way home. This has been such an immense journey so far and I’m so glad to be here with a bunch of fantastic ladies who are forever smiling, laughing and enjoying our journey.” 

Hello Scotland! Six-strong female rowing crew is over halfway around Great Britain

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The all-female crew rowing around Great Britain is over halfway around. Despite rough conditions in recent days, they rowed under the Skye Bridge this afternoon and have less than 1,000 miles to go. 

‘Team Ithaca’ includes six extraordinary women taking part in the GB Row Challenge, a 2,000 mile row around Britain’s coastline. They’ve been rowing for the last 21 days and if they finish within 50, they’ll break a Guinness World record for the first female team of six to have ever completed the feat.

Skipper Emma Wolstenholme said: “We’re now in Scotland and the famous Corryvreckan marked the halfway point. We have been in constant rain and side winds creating side-on waves day and night, so although it’s awesome to be halfway, we are all very wet and hoping for some Scottish sunshine.”

The team have said that highs have included beautiful sunsets and sunrises, seeing dolphins, minke whales, puffins and shooting stars. Lows have included sleep deprivation, seasickness and rowing in torrential rain. 

One of the rowers, Sandra Gates, said: “It feels great to be over halfway round. The highs for me are rowing with dolphins, being under the milky way and seeing shooting stars and sea sickness finally going! The whole experience is huge for me. I can’t wait to see Scotland from a different angle and appreciate our beautiful coastline while ticking the miles off and heading home. I’m not sure I will ever get used to the graveyard shift and I’m pretty sure I will never want to hear a mobile alarm for some time. I miss my family and dogs so much but I’m loving the experience.”

While rowing, they’re making an enormous contribution to an ocean pollution map of UK waters as they collect data on microplastics, temperature, noise pollution, and biodiversity.

So far they have collected 25 samples of Environmental DNA (eDNA) using an automatic pumping system, which will provide data on biodiversity. 

Dr Kat Bruce, Founder Director of biodiversity company Naturemetrics, who completed the GB Row Challenge last year, said: “Animals are constantly shedding tiny traces into the environment - including dead skin cells, mucous, saliva, urine and faeces. These tiny traces contain the DNA of the animal, which means we can record hundreds of species without necessarily ever seeing them.

“The rowers are making this incredible journey around the coast and they’ll be awed by the beauty and diversity of this island we live on. When I rowed last year, we had many encounters with wildlife, including dolphins, porpoises, seals and seabird colonies. 

“But most of the biodiversity is under the water and the rowers will have no idea what different species their data will capture! The eDNA from a single litre of water can reveal hundreds of species, from invertebrates to blue whales. It’s this vital data that is helping to build a picture of our nation’s precious biodiversity so that we can better protect it.”

The rowers are also collecting data on microplastics, thanks to an innovative collaboration between University of Portsmouth scientists and engineers from Harwin and Porvair Filtration Group.

Experts have worked together to design and build a microplastics sampling system, developed to both survive the harsh environment at sea and work around the limited physical space and power available on the boats.

The rowers have collected 14 samples of microplastics so far, building on the data collected during last year’s race, which will allow scientists to see any changes happening year on year.

Dr Fay Couceiro, expert in biogeochemistry and environmental pollution at the University of Portsmouth, said: “We’re so grateful to this amazing team of women who are rowing continuously, two hours on and two hours off in sun, strong winds and heavy rain. 

“Their efforts are helping to produce an annual map of ocean pollution and biodiversity, which will give a clearer picture of the environmental damage and long term impact of these pollutants on our seas.”

Their boat ‘Challenger’ is also taking continuous recordings of underwater sound using an RS Aqua noise recorder integrated into the rudder. As well as collecting data on salinity and temperature. 

All-female ocean rowing team embarks on 2,000 mile challenge around Great Britain

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A team of female ocean rowers will set off on a 2,000 mile rowing challenge around the entire coast of Great Britain on Sunday 4 June, and they’re aiming for a world record. 

The crew of six includes a cyber security expert, an Army nurse, a mountaineer, a former international rugby player, a fitness instructor and an RAF Air Cadets ambassador. 

They’ll be competing in the GB Row Challenge, a sporting event with a powerful sustainable purpose: the rowers collaborate with scientists from the University of Portsmouth to collect data on microplastics, temperature, noise pollution, and biodiversity. 

‘Team Ithaca’ will navigate complex tidal streams, shipping lanes and volatile weather to row in the world’s toughest rowing race.

Crew member and cyber security expert Amy Wood is no stranger to sport and adventure. She rowed the Atlantic at the age of 25, has represented England at karate and competed internationally in gymnastics. 

Amy currently works hard to ensure that planes are safe and secure from cyber threat attacks. She also played a part in establishing the UK as Europe’s first launch site to send satellites into orbit.

She said: “The GB Row Challenge is the icing on an already pretty incredible sporting career cake for me and I can’t wait to take it on! Much of my work life is focussed on aircraft, so I’m looking forward to spending some time on the water for a change.

“What makes this challenge so worthwhile is the wider purpose, which is more than just rowing. The data we collect on the way around will help scientists understand how our seas are changing and enhance our understanding of the many challenges facing British coastal waters.”

The team has completed over 200 hours of ocean rowing to prepare for the event, which sets off from Tower Bridge, London, at 3pm on Sunday 4 June.

They’ll be rowing continuously and unsupported, taking turns to row for two hours on and two hours off. They’re aiming to finish the row within 50 days or less. If successful, they will break the world record becoming the first team of six to have ever completed the feat. 

The team has also been trained to use specialist equipment to gather scientific data.

Dr Fay Couceiro, expert in biogeochemistry and environmental pollution at the University of Portsmouth, said: “Ocean pollution is one of the biggest challenges of our generation. The data collected by last year’s teams found that microplastic pollution was up to 100 times worse than previously recorded but what is really valuable is to see how fast the problem is changing.

“This unique collaboration between GB Row Challenge and the University aims to produce an annual map of ocean pollution and biodiversity, which will give a great baseline for the entire UK and show any changes happening year on year. This data will give a clearer picture of the environmental damage and long term impact of these pollutants on our seas.”

Jim Bastin, GB Row Challenge Director of Operations, has been working hard to ensure the team have the best possible chance of successfully and safely circumnavigating Great Britain in a rowing boat.

He said: “Team Ithaca is a fantastic group of ordinary people taking on an extraordinary challenge. They are a determined team who came together last year because they are passionate about adventure, but also about the environment.”

Jim was part of a rowing team that completed the challenge in 2005 setting a world record by completing it unsupported in 26 days 21 hours and 14 minutes.

He added: “Our entry lists are open for 2024, 2025 and 2026, so please get in touch if you want to take on an epic row across the English Channel, Celtic Sea, Irish Sea, the Western Isles, North Atlantic Ocean, North Sea, and the Thames Estuary. 

“This challenge is not for the fainthearted. We’re looking for people with a spirit of adventure and a love of the ocean. Having completed it back in 2005, I can certainly vouch for it being the world’s toughest rowing race, but it’s a hugely rewarding challenge.

“Crossing the Atlantic might be a 3,000 mile row, but the GB Row Challenge is a much more technically complex and challenging event, requiring good navigational ability to negotiate complex tidal streams, very variable weather systems and a challenging, but spectacular coastline.

“And unlike the Atlantic, it’s an event that not many teams have completed. It’s the rowing equivalent of climbing K2 instead of Everest. If you think you have what it takes please get in touch.”

Image shows L-R: Emma Wolstenholme, Amy L Wood, Clair Fennessy, Sandra Gates, Maggie Hodge and Emma Haxell

Pairing of sport and science is perfect opportunity for ocean-loving PhD student

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A student with a passion for scuba diving and science has just started her dream PhD at the University of Portsmouth. 

Laura Fantuzzi will spend the next three years analysing ocean pollution data collected by rowers during the GB Row Challenge, a 2,000-mile event that circumnavigates Great Britain’s coastline. 

She said: “I’m excited to be part of such an exciting and unique collaboration, which pairs sport and science. Citizen science projects like this are so important because they show how scientists can work with members of the public to elicit real change.”

GB Row Challenge partnered with the University of Portsmouth last year with the long-term aim of collecting data on microplastics, temperature, noise pollution and biodiversity between 2022 and 2025. 

Laura’s PhD will involve analysing this data, which is collected by rowing boats carrying specialist equipment. 

Laura, who is originally from Belgium, has a lifelong love of the ocean. She said: “I was fascinated by dolphins from a young age and discovered scuba diving when I spent eight months in Malta learning English at the age of 18. 

“I felt completely in my element when I was in the water and knew that I was destined to study marine biology at university, so I applied to do a Master’s in the subject in the UK.”

This grounding in marine biology led to an interest in microplastic pollution more generally and a holistic approach to the health of the environment, which set her on the path to a PhD opportunity she considers to be the perfect fit. 

She added: “This PhD combines so many things that are important to me - ocean pollution, biodiversity, citizen science and sport. It’s the perfect fit for me and couldn’t have come at a better time. 

“I knew I wanted to continue doing research into plastics pollution in particular because the scale of the problem is so alarming. Plastic pollution is everywhere - in the air, in lakes, rivers, the sea, the deep sea, in fish. It’s something we need to draw attention to and engage with if we want to solve the problem.

“What’s so exciting about this PhD is there is also the opportunity to study noise pollution, which is another major pollution problem in our oceans. I’ll be using analytical methods typically used for space science, which is very cool!”

Laura will also be reporting on biodiversity, creating a picture of what species are living in and around different areas of the coast and how these might be changing over time.

The results from last year’s challenge have already given an important contribution to the knowledge of UK seas. But Laura believes the strength of the project is how combining these datasets can be used in future. 

“By gathering data each year, we can build a valuable picture that will help preserve marine environments and wildlife”, she explained. “I really hope this will serve as crucial baseline data, which can eventually be used by policymakers to tackle pollution.”

GB Row Challenge Founder William de Laszlo said: “The data collected last year has already demonstrated the power of a project like this. By combining ocean rowing with science, we’ve gained greater insight into the state of our waters, which is fundamental to ensuring we can ultimately protect them.”

Laura was also a keen rower at university, but thinks she’ll be too busy in the lab reporting on the science to embark on the world’s toughest rowing race.

Dr Fay Couceiro, Reader in Biogeochemistry and Environmental Pollution at the University of Portsmouth, is one of Laura’s PhD supervisors. She said: “Laura is an excellent addition to this exciting collaboration between the university and GB Row Challenge. We’re thrilled to have her on board. 

“Now we need more rowers to join GB Row for the upcoming years, collecting data and information about what’s happening to our ocean, so we can have a clear picture of the environmental damage and long term impact of pollutants on our seas. If you’re interested in taking on an epic endurance challenge, please get in touch!”

Laura will be presenting the 2022 Impact Report at the University of Portsmouth’s PlasticsFuture conference next month.