It’s called “the world’s toughest row”: a 3000-mile unsupported race of endurance from the Canary Islands to Antigua and Barbuda, organised by the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge.

Thanks to generous sponsorship donated by an OO family under the name of Oundle School, the School is now one of the partners supporting Team V3nture, a team of three men who will join the Talisker race across the Atlantic in December 2024.

Rob Cross, Rob Treasure and Charlie Newman completed their Army training together at Sandhurst, and at the ages of 27 hope to become the first serving military trio to row an ocean over a period of at least 35 days. Their preparation and training began last year for an extreme endurance test that will challenge their athleticism, strength, mental equilibrium and their friendship. They will be expected to deal with weather currents, boat maintenance, sleep deprivation, sea sickness, and eating and drinking vast quantities of calories to maintain energy levels, all whilst sharing an 8.5m boat.

Their boat is called “Stephen”, in memory of Rob Treasure’s father who died in 2021 from pancreatic cancer. Sponsorship of Team V3nture will go to Macmillan Cancer Support and their three regimental charities, the Welsh Guards, Royal Artillery and Rifles.

The OO family that have sponsored the Team V3nture challenge in Oundle’s name was inspired by the education that their three children received at Laxton Junior School and Oundle School over a combined 45 years. They said: “Our experience at both schools has been wonderful. Our children made the most of all the opportunities and activities, including the CCF, which helped develop and stretch their experiences. The Oundle Chapel, a bedrock of the School, reminds us of the sacrifice that Oundelians gave during the First World War to enable us all to enjoy our freedom today. The opportunity to sponsor the first military team to enter the prestigious Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge, and donate it to Oundle School, was something we felt moved to do. Our hope is that through such sponsorship we can raise awareness of not only a wonderful cause, but also of Oundle School so that other parents and children may enjoy the schooling that Oundle provides.”

To learn more or to support Team V3nture, please head to their website: Team V3nture