Navy News
Direct from the front-line, the official newspaper of the Royal Navy, Navy News, brings you the latest news, features and award winning photos every month.
The all-female HMS Oardacious rowers – known collectively as the Valkyries – are about ten days from their goal after 38 days in their 30ft boat, Captain Jim, having covered a distance equivalent to Portsmouth-St John’s in Newfoundland.
They left the Canaries on December 11 – one of 38 teams bidding to reach Nelson’s Dockyard in Antigua.
Five and a half weeks later, and with two of the teams having dropped out, the Valkyries are mid-pack, with the winners expected to cross the finish line this weekend.
All teams have been hampered by unfavourable weather on this year’s crossing.
Waves have battered them from the side, the boat has half capsized or else been ‘pinned’ – blown in a particular direction such that Captain Jim could not be manoeuvred back on course – and faced headwinds forcing them to deploy the ‘para anchor’ (a large ‘parachute’ dropped into the water to slow the boat being driven back too quickly).
There have also been days of dead calm, when the lack of wind has forced them to row extra and forego rest (none of the team has enjoyed more than two hours’ continuous sleep since setting sail).
Now they have finally hit the trade winds, the rowers - skipper Lieutenant Commander Izzy Rawlinson (Marine Engineer - Submariner), Petty Officer Aaby Aldridge (Survival Equipment Technician), Lieutenant Commander Nic Hall (Warfare Officer) and Lieutenant Commander Ali Aindow (Mine Clearance Diver Officer) – are making good progress: over 60 nautical miles a day.
To maintain morale the rowers look forward to ‘treat Tuesdays’ when goodies such as tinned fruit are handed out to top up regular daily calorie intake and thanks to the wonders of 21st Century comms frequently receive messages of support from across the Navy and beyond.
“While we’ve had the full wrath of Poseidon thrown at us, we’ve also enjoyed the race, have had visits from dolphins, flying fish and other marine wildlife, seen some amazing night skies and really gelled as a happy – if very tired – team,” said Izzy.
“We have been inspired by some wonderful messages of support from friends, families, colleagues, sponsors, school children and outreach partners – a Happy New Year message from Sabre of Gladiators might be the most surreal – and we’re also delighted to see fundraising progressing well.”
They set a goal of £20,000 to be split between the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity and the Young Women’s Trust, with more than £12,000 raised so far via Team Valkyrie 2024 Atlantic Row | givestarWhile we’ve had the full wrath of Poseidon thrown at us, we’ve also enjoyed the race and really gelled as a happy – if very tired – team
Lt Cdr Izzy Rawlinson
Direct from the front-line, the official newspaper of the Royal Navy, Navy News, brings you the latest news, features and award winning photos every month.