Team V3nture have successfully completed “the world’s toughest row”: a 3000-mile unsupported race of endurance across the Atlantic, organised by the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge. The team arrived in Antigua earlier this week, crossing the finish line with a time of 40 days, 17 hours and 40 minutes, coming 1st in trios, 6th in men’s and 7th overall.
The crew of three; Rob Cross, Rob Treasure and Charlie Newman, completed their Army training together at Sandhurst, and are the first serving military trio to have rowed an ocean, bonded by the desire to push themselves to their limits and make a positive difference whilst doing so. Reflecting on the challenge the team told us that: “the most difficult part for us was the relentlessness; we rowed for two hours on and one hour off, with only four hours’ of sleep at night, but it was a fascinating insight into what the human body is capable of. Starry skies were a constant, and regardless of the conditions on the ocean, we knew that we would always get the same incredible night skies. It helped to put everything into perspective and what really matters in life.“
As well as the incredible feat of rowing across the Atlantic, the team have raised over £96,000 for MacMillan Cancer Support specifically for nurses delivering palliative care. Funds raised from the sale of their boat following the challenge will be donated their three regimental charities, the Welsh Guards, Royal Artillery and Rifles.
The School was one of the partners supporting Team V3nture, generously sponsored on our behalf in 2023 by an OO family who were 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
(Image Credits: World’s Toughest Row)
