Since setting off across the Atlantic, the Greens2Blue team have quickly moved beyond the excitement of launch and into the reality of life at sea. The last couple of weeks have been tough, with challenging conditions and the kind of practical problems you can’t really prepare for until you’re living them, 24 hours a day, in the middle of the ocean.
Recent updates from the team describe a testing period: poor weather, limited sunshine affecting the solar panels, and the physical strain of not being able to take on enough calories to properly fuel the body. Add in constant damp clothing, bruising from long hours on the rower, and the mental challenge of homesickness, and it’s clear just how demanding this crossing really is.
One moment that perfectly captures the reality of the row came during a night shift at sea. David shared that the only wildlife they’ve seen so far wasn’t a dolphin or whale, but a flying fish that smacked him on the head mid-row. His first instinct was to try and save it, fumbling around in the dark as it slipped from his hands, before eventually conceding defeat and sending it back into the Atlantic at daylight. It’s a funny image, but it also says a lot about the unpredictability of life out there.
There have been more serious moments too. When the water maker broke, Richard spent five hours on the satellite phone working through the issue with the manufacturers, eventually managing to get it fixed. Practical skills, calm thinking and sheer persistence making all the difference on the journey.
Despite the setbacks, there are positives. The team are hopeful of passing the 1,000-mile mark around the New Year, which would be a huge psychological boost. Fundraising continues to build too, with donations coming in from far beyond Yorkshire.
At Sentio, we chose to sponsor the oars because they’re what carry the crew forward on every mile of this journey. Watching the reality of the row unfold reinforces why this sponsorship matters to us. It’s about resilience, problem-solving and finding a way through when things don’t go to plan, qualities we recognise, value and support.
As the team continue towards Antigua, we’ll keep sharing updates from their journey. And on the 15th of January, we’ll be showing our support from Leeds with our own 3,000-minute Row-Along challenge, backing their miles at sea with minutes on land.
For now, it’s about keeping the oars moving, taking each mile as it comes, and knowing there’s a lot of support behind them.
