The King has praised the “courage, perseverance and indomitable determination” of four military teams who completed a gruelling 3,000-mile rowing expedition across the Atlantic.
Charles sent a message of congratulations, saying the crews had shown “the finest quality” of the armed forces during their “gallant” journey, and wishing them an “extremely well-deserved rest”.
The four teams: Team V3nture, Oarsome Army Educators, Force Atlantic, and HMS Oardacious Valkyries; took part in the World’s Toughest Row – a non-stop, unsupported race across the Atlantic Ocean from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua.
A message from The King congratulating the four military teams — Team V3nture, Oarsome Army Educators, Force Atlantic, and HMS Oardacious Valkyries — on their successful completion of the 3,000-mile Atlantic journey for the @toughestrow. @TeamV3nture set a record as the first… pic.twitter.com/XYO024TGxL
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) January 29, 2025
Each team rowed more than 1.5 million oar strokes, rowing for two hours and sleeping for two hours 24 hours a day, facing blisters and sores, storms, and 40C heat.
TeamV3nture, comprised of soldiers: Charlie Newman, Rob Cross and Rob Treasure, who met and became friends at Sandhurst; set a record as the first military trio to complete the crossing, finishing in 40 days, 17 hours, and 40 minutes.
THEY HAVE DONE IT! 🥳
— TEAM V3NTURE (@teamv3nture) January 21, 2025
40 DAYS, 17 HRS, 40 MINS! 💪
AND WOW! WHAT a finish that was! 😲
An ENORMOUS congratulations, and enjoy the recovery boys. 🍻🍔
Please remember to donate at https://t.co/3j4vGiyCf7 pic.twitter.com/hKgI8sTr04
The team is raising money for the charity Macmillan Cancer Support in honour of Captain Rob Treasure’s father, Stephen, who died from cancer in 2021.
The King, head of the Armed Forces, wrote: “I wanted to send you all my heartfelt congratulations on completing your gallant rowing expedition across the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean.
Wow. What a phenomenal video! 🎬
— TEAM V3NTURE (@teamv3nture) January 21, 2025
After 40 days and 40 nights, this incredible team, have done it! 🥰
This video has absolutely broken us - there's just been WAY too much emotion for one 24 hour period! 🥹
Please donate if you can at https://t.co/3j4vGiy4pz pic.twitter.com/kzNywNgFJq
“Your courage, perseverance and indomitable determination set us all a wonderful example of teamwork and endurance and I am full of admiration for your achievement.
“In undertaking such a journey, you have certainly demonstrated the finest quality of the military, and I have no doubt that your accomplishment will inspire your communities and provide generously for the charities you represent.”
It’s 7 days out until race start!
— Force Atlantic (@ForceAtlantic) December 6, 2024
If you want to keep track of our journey download the app @ybtracking
We’re raising funds for @TheGirlsNet #gettingready #boatprep #team pic.twitter.com/yzljoJ3XwC
He added: “This brings you my warmest good wishes for an extremely well-deserved rest.”
The message was signed Charles R.
Force Atlantic, the Army’s first all-female team, completed the journey in 46 days and 55 minutes, raising funds for The Girls’ Network charity.
The team was made up of: Captain Imogen O’Brien; 6 Regiment RLC Warrant Officer Class One Sheridan Lucas; 1 Medical Regiment’s Major Rebecca Glover; and Defence Primary Healthcare nurse Corporal Emma Gibb.
Oarsome Army Educators: Dec Lynn, Jess Hunter, Gian-Luc Angiolini, and Graham Doyle; crossed the finish line in 44 days, 6 hours, and 38 minutes, raising money for the Army Benevolent Fund.
PHENOMENAL! 🥳
— HMS Oardacious Valkyries (@hmsoardacious) January 26, 2025
After 46 days, 12 hrs and 26 mins, the team have completed the World's Toughest Row - Atlantic 2024...and these photos show us how incredible that finish was! 💥
Team - enjoy everything; you deserve every moment of this! 🙌https://t.co/nSlF3hsxkf pic.twitter.com/q5exLpdmyw
The all-female HMS Oardacious Valkyries, the Royal Navy’s official rowing team, finished in 46 days, 12 hours, and 26 minutes, supporting the Young Women’s Trust.
The crew were: Lieutenant Commander Izzy Rawlinson; Petty Officer Aaby Aldridge; Lieutenant Commander Nic Hall; and Lieutenant Commander Ali Aindow.
