Intrepid232 – Rowing into the Record Books!
When we heard about the Intrepid232, a group of amazing ladies from Jersey who plan to take on one of the most challenging Atlantic rowing races out there, The Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge 2023, we had to support them.
Not only because it’s an incredible feat but also because Alison, Rosemary, Julie and Helene are also aiming to break an Ocean Rowing Stats World Record – to become the oldest female fours crew to ever cross the Atlantic Ocean. If this isn’t a lesson in courage, team work, determination and showing us all that we can undertake any life challenge we put our minds to, we don’t know what is!
The team
Alison Smithurst, Rosemary Satchwell and Helene Monpetit have taken part in coastal rowing for many years. Members of the Jersey Rowing Club, they have taken an active part in club races as well as travelling to the UK and Europe for various competitions. Julie Brady is a newcomer to rowing but no stranger to sport having represented Jersey in both netball and basketball.
Age and extreme sports inevitably bring injury, each of the ladies experiencing this in one form or another. In particular, for Helene, having suffered a broken back in 2016 followed by months of rehabilitation, taking part in the race demonstrates her perseverance and dedication. While their muscles might not be the same as if they were in their 20’s, the ladies say they are much tougher mentally.
Photograph credits: David Ferguson Photography
The race
On 12th December 2023 Intrepid232 will set off from San Sebastian in La Gomera, Canary Islands for Nelson’s Dockyard, English Harbour, Antigua. The 3,000 mile crossing, throughout which the team have to be totally self-sufficient, will take anything between 45 and 70 days depending on weather conditions. One of the most brutal, physical and mental challenges out there - more people have scaled Everest or travelled to space than have successfully crossed the Atlantic in a rowing boat.
So what will the ladies face during their row?
Sleep deprivation, sea sickness and hunger, brutal sea conditions, including 20-60ft waves while rowing 2hrs on and 2hrs off. The ladies will endure salt sores and blisters thanks to temperatures ranging from zero to 35 degrees celsius, every day each will drink 10ltrs of burn in excess of 5,000 calories.
Photograph credits: David Ferguson Photography
With only two months until the ladies head to San Sebastian, we chatted to the team to find out more about this epic adventure.
So why are you all doing this?
Alison: There had been the odd conversation over the years discussing rowing the Atlantic but it was in late 2020 that the seed was firmly sown. Living our lives with Covid restrictions, and with people generally re-evaluating life priorities, we realised that it was time for action. We believe strongly in the power of our focus to achieve this goal. As a team of busy working mums we want to show that age and gender are not obstacles in achieving something you really want to do. It is also a fantastic opportunity for us to raise funds for charities that are close to our hearts – Grace Crocker Foundation and Blue Marine Foundation.
How long have you all been rowing?
Rosemary: As a crew we have been rowing together for about two years, with Julie being new to the sport. The rest of us have been rowing anywhere between 17 and 35 years as members of Jersey Rowing Club.
What inspired you to undertake (personally) this challenge?
Helene: It is a REAL challenge and one that we all felt we should tackle while we still could.
Rosemary: We each thought if not now, then when? A few crews in Jersey have done this before and I have always wondered how it would be sitting in the middle of the ocean with no land in sight - it scares but excites me.
Alison: I have friends who have taken part in the race previously so it has been at the back of my mind for a while. Having rowed coastal rowing boats for a good number of years it just seemed like the next challenge to pursue - actually get all the way across an ocean under
my own steam!
Julie: I needed something to focus on for my 60th. To show my son that if you work hard you can achieve your goals. I also wanted to show other people/ and ladies in particular, that no matter what your dream/goal is you can achieve it if you put your mind to it and go for it.
What qualities do each of you have that help you to complete this challenge?
Rosemary: We each have a variety of qualities that complement each other; the most important thing is that we respect each other and listen to one another.
Julie: Most of the time I am positive and happy and have a smile on my face. Although apparently my singing isn’t as good as what I thought it was!
What will be the hardest aspect of this challenge?
Helene: Sleep deprivation and sea sickness!
Rosemary: Getting to the start line! There is so much to do, there are courses - safety, first aid, navigation, electrical, radio and water maker courses that we need to attend. There is an endless list of kit and equipment to buy, which you can see the logic for when you consider the challenge ahead of us. That is before we even get on the boat to undertake our skills, drills and complete the mandatory hours of training - including a minimum 24 hours in the dark. This summer presented its own challenges in achieving this with the consistently high winds, not ideal for a boat with high sides that could easily be swept into the many hazards that the Jersey coastline presents!
Julie: And trying not to fall off the wee bucket (there is no toilet!) when the boat is rocking.
Alison: In addition to all of the above, being away from home for what is likely to be at least a
couple of months.
Photograph credits: David Ferguson Photography
What do you expect to enjoy the most?
Helene: The quietness and simple routine.
Rosemary: Having just one job!!! Sunsets, sunrises and wildlife (friendly but not too friendly) that we hope to come across.
Julie: Definitely the night skies and being surrounded by the sea and getting to the end as a team and achieving our goal.
What would you say to other people who may be considering taking part in a massive personal challenge like this?
Helene: Plan well ahead, never think you have plenty of time, engage with your local community
Rosemary: Also - Just do it. There would be nothing worse than to wonder in years to come if you could have done it and what it would have been like.
Alison: Planning, planning, planning! Be prepared to give up a lot of what you would normally do - undertaking a challenge takes an enormous amount of time and dedication. We have likened it to having a second job! Undertaking the essential safety courses, endless paperwork, website creation, social media updates, engaging potential sponsors and execution of the campaign as a whole. Running alongside all that we need to know the boat inside out. How she reacts in different conditions, how all the electrical equipment works and more importantly how to fix anything - it is common for equipment to fail in such a harsh
environment.
Julie: Take it in stages, accept the knock backs, don’t listen to those who are negative about the challenge and try and put you off. They have their own issues to deal with!
Individuals and businesses can still support you – with total costs coming to more than £160,000 – any pledge is gratefully received. Who should people contact if they want to support or sponsor you?
Anyone of us personally or email us intrepid232team@gmail.com
Via messenger on our Facebook page
Our website www.intrepid232.com has a GOFUNDME link
How is Rossborough supporting the team?
We're honoured to sponsor essential safety equipment for their daring voyage. We've sponsored their safety harnesses, tethers, survival suits, life-jackets, re-arming kit and flares.