Rhubarb December 2025

What was life like on the boat during those 39 days – physically, mentally, and emotionally? Any highs or lows you want to share? Physically, it was brutal. Two hours on, two hours off, 24/7. Sleep was fragmented, salt sores were constant, and we lost a lot of weight. However, the mental tests were the toughest, the combination of hallucinations and severe tiredness made us question everything around us. I often spent nights admiring the thousands of trees I was seeing on the ocean… Highs included dolphin sightings, epic sunsets, and even catching fish on New Year’s Eve. Lows? Rowing into headwinds for four straight days and going to the toilet in a bucket – not fun! What surprised you most about the experience – either about the ocean, the rowing, or yourselves? The Atlantic surprised me with how alive it felt. We expected it to be vast and unforgiving, but it also had moments of peace and beauty that I’ll never forget. What surprised me about us was how much humour and resilience we found, even when things got really tough, we would find something to laugh about.

BEYOND TEDDIES

‘Whatever you do, throw yourself into it.’

What’s next – more ocean adventures, or a well- earned break?

A break, for now! I promised my loved ones I’d stay dry for a while. I think there are also a few pubs I need to frequent. But I’ve definitely caught the bug for adventure and challenge. Something else will come along, I’m sure.

Favourite memory from Teddies?

Too many to count, but two stand out. Beating Rugby on Upper 1 in my first game for the XV was unforgettable – the atmosphere, the pride, the sheer adrenaline of it all. And then, at the other end of the spectrum, the final Chapel service. It was a special moment shared with some amazing people – a real sense of reflection and togetherness. I’ll never forget Mr Grounds telling us, ‘Whatever you do, throw yourself into it.’ I like to think I’ve done that, quite literally.

RACE START San Sebastián, De La Gomera 28°N, 17°W

RACE FINISH Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua 17°N, 62°W

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