In December 2025, four brilliant women from Essex set out on a challenge of endurance, grit, and mental strength. They aimed to row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean, from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua in the Caribbean.
Jo, Sam, Sheila and Lorena, all from a rowing background and from Essex, came up with the idea for the row which started in a conversation over a pint or two in their local pub, which then turned into research, which eventually became a real possibility. The team, all aged over 46 when the challenge began were inspired by the idea of pushing themselves beyond any limit they’d reached before, all whilst raising money for charities close to their hearts.
Jo grew up in London before moving to the Essex coast in her twenties, where discovering coastal rowing gave her a fresh passion and a supportive community. That journey led her to take on and successfully complete an extraordinary challenge alongside her team.
Having spent her whole life by the sea, Sheila developed a deep appreciation for its beauty, power, and importance. After many years of rowing and advocating for ocean protection, she brought her experience and determination to the team’s challenge.
Lorena moved to Rowhedge in 2017 and quickly embraced life on the water, progressing from kayaks and paddleboards to a strong love of rowing. Her skills and dedication carried her through the row.
Growing up on Mersea Island gave Sam a natural bond with the water that shaped her adventurous spirit. She went on to take part in her most ambitious endeavour yet with the Wild Women crew.
With no engine, and no outside support throughout the challenge, for the 57 days they were at sea, they also called their 28-foot rig home. Working in shift patterns and rowing through the night, the team were forced to navigate storms, vast seas, exhaustion, and extreme heat. Everything they needed, in the way of food, water, safety equipment and medical supplies had to fit on board and be carried throughout the whole journey.
The team explained that the challenge was “physically and mentally demanding, unpredictable, and often uncomfortable. But it was also one of the most rewarding experiences of our lives.”
They were also inspired by other teams who had already completed the challenge, and the fact that a group of ‘ordinary’ women from Essex could do something so extraordinary. They wanted to prove that you don’t need to be a professional athlete to take on such a feet, you just need commitment, teamwork, and self-belief.
Showing other women and girls, especially those in the midlife or older that they can take on bold and adventurous challenges regardless of their age, was vital to the team.
“There is often an unspoken message that as women get older, their world should become smaller and that adventure, risk and physical challenge are for the young. We completely disagree.
We are proof that life doesn’t stop at a certain age. In fact, it can open up in new and exciting ways. You can start something new, train for something ambitious and surprise yourself at any stage of life.
If our journey helps even one woman think, “If they can do that, maybe I can try this,” then it has been worth it.”
Jo and the rest of the amazing group that took on this challenge hope that women across Essex and beyond will learn from their achievement that courage isn’t about being fearless, it’s about acting even when you’re scared.
“None of us felt “ready” when we signed up. We all had doubts. We worried about whether we were strong enough, capable enough, brave enough. But we learned that confidence grows through doing.
Our message is simple: don’t wait until you feel perfect. Start where you are, with what you have. Build from there. Your background, age or circumstances do not define your limits.”
From surviving storms and rowing through towering waves, to watching beautiful sunrises with no land in sight, to supporting each other through tears and exhaustion, everyday taught them something new.
If they had to pick one key takeaway from the 57 days, I took them to complete the challenge, they explained it would be the power of teamwork.
“Our biggest takeaway is the power of teamwork. None of us could have done this alone. On the hardest days, we carried each other. When one person struggled, the others stepped up.
We also learned just how resilient we are. When you think you’ve reached your limit, you usually have far more left to give.”
We asked them what was next for the group, and they said that right now, they were focused on recovery, reflection and celebrating what they’ve achieved.
“In the longer term, we want to use this experience to inspire others through talks, community events and continued work with rowing and sports organisations. We are passionate about encouraging more women and girls into sport and adventure.
There are already conversations about future challenges, but for now, we are enjoying being back on dry land, spending time with family and friends, and feeling incredibly proud of what we accomplished together.”
The challenge is such a brilliant example of what human are capable of, no matter who you are. It showed them what is possible when women come together to support each other, and commit fully to a goal, refusing to be limited by expectations.
“We are proud to represent Essex, proud to represent women in sport, and grateful for every person who supported us along the way.
If our story encourages others to be brave, take risks and chase big dreams then this journey will continue long after the finish line.”
