Crews battle around Britain's coastline while collecting vital ocean health data
Two teams attempting one of the world's toughest endurance challenges are currently passing Scotland as they row non-stop and unsupported around the entire coastline of Great Britain.
The crews, Rowmads and Nautilus, are now making their way around Scottish waters after setting off from London's Tower Bridge on 14 June. They are attempting to complete the 2,000-mile GB Row Challenge continuously and unsupported - a feat achieved by fewer than 30 people in history.
The teams set off from Tower Bridge, London, on 14 June.
As well as facing Atlantic swells, unpredictable weather, sleep deprivation and round-the-clock rowing, the teams are collecting vital scientific data to help researchers better understand the health of Britain's coastal waters.
The crews are gathering information on microplastic pollution, biodiversity, underwater noise, sea temperature and salinity throughout their journey. Scientists at the University of Portsmouth will analyse the data before it is shared through The Crown Estate's Marine Data Exchange, helping build one of the UK's most comprehensive records of changing marine conditions.
It's such a privilege to see the Great British coastline from an entirely new perspective. The challenge itself will test us, mentally and physically, but knowing that we are collecting vital data and samples on ocean health will make every stroke, storm and sunrise that much more rewarding!
The Scottish leg of the challenge presents some of the expedition's toughest conditions, with crews navigating exposed Atlantic waters, powerful tides and rapidly changing weather as they make their way around the country's coastline.
GB Row Challenge Founder, William de Laszlo, has completed the challenge twice. He said: “Scotland is one of the most spectacular but demanding parts of the entire route. The crews are now tackling some of the most exposed waters around Great Britain while continuing to collect valuable environmental data.
“This exceptional group of people is taking part in something truly remarkable. More than 7,000 people have climbed Everest, yet fewer than 30 have rowed continuously and unsupported around Great Britain.”
Team Nautilus during a training row. Skipper Aoife Luscombe is steering.
The challenge brings together two very different teams.
Rowmads consists of three military doctors, including two brothers, alongside a firefighter and fitness coach.
Nautilus includes people with backgrounds in healthcare, sustainability, education and environmental management. Skipper Aoife Luscombe returned this year after her 2024 attempt ended prematurely on the Cornish coast.
She said: “It's such a privilege to see the Great British coastline from an entirely new perspective. The challenge itself will test us, mentally and physically, but knowing that we are collecting vital data and samples on ocean health will make every stroke, storm and sunrise that much more rewarding!”
Previous GB Row Challenge expeditions have uncovered higher levels of microplastic pollution and rising sea temperatures. Scientists analysing the data are creating a valuable long-term record of changing conditions in UK coastal waters.
Mike Eager, Stefano Capella and Marco Capella from team Rowmads
The data collected during the 2024 race found that microplastic pollution in waters around Great Britain was significantly higher than previously recorded. Average concentrations reached 59 microplastic particles per cubic metre of seawater, more than double the levels measured in comparable surveys in 2022 and 2023.
Professor Fay Couceiro, expert in biogeochemistry and environmental pollution at the University of Portsmouth and lead scientist for GB Row Challenge, said: "The data collected during this expedition will provide a valuable window into the health of Britain's coastal waters and help us better understand the environmental pressures these ecosystems face.
“Scientific research often depends on observations gathered across vast areas and long periods of time, and that is where citizen science can make such a powerful contribution.
“I am very grateful to the two teams and their commitment to help generate information that could benefit marine research for years to come.”
This year's GB Row Challenge is jointly sponsored by Cleaner Seas Group and Simply Sustainable.
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