Team Seasoar have done it! They’ve completed the World’s Toughest Row – Atlantic in 52 days, 20 hours and 43 minutes arriving in Antigua on 2nd February 2025.
Watch below to see John Watling, Niall Brannigan, Sam Weber and Jason Wilder entering English Harbour as they complete their epic row!
A warm welcome!
We couldn’t be more proud of the team so once again Charity Co-founder and Chair, Natasha Metcalf, and Communications Manager, Joanne Lee, headed out in support to welcome them to shore. The weeks rowing at sea are extremely tough for all teams. We wanted to make sure our guys know the Lyme community are thinking of them as they recover and adapt to life back on land.
Jo and Natasha preparing for Team Seasoar’s arrival
Team Seasoar light up the night!
As the team came in at night it was initially hard to see their boat ‘Oardrey’ approaching from the darkness. Staring out to sea from Fort Berkeley, it was an amazing moment as a faint green light and the shadowy figures of men rowing began to appear to cheering from family and friends. It was so emotional for everyone involved as the media boat and drone circled the team and flares lit up the night sky. After racing back down the rocky path into the harbour laughter sang out as family, friends and the race organisers congratulated the team.
Team Seasoar complete the World’s Toughest Row – Atlantic 2024! (Credit: The World’s Toughest Row)
Family and friends excitedly wait to welcome the rowers ashore! (Credit: The World’s Toughest Row)
Team Seasoar’s Ocean Rowing Success! (Credit: The World’s Toughest Row)
View into English Harbour, Antigua from Fort Berkeley
Reflecting on the row!
Natasha caught up with John and Niall a few days later to listen to them reflect on their time at sea. Their stories really give a sense of the challenges they faced.
A huge thank you to everyone involved!
We are truly so grateful to Team Seasoar who took on the challenge of a lifetime in support of Lyme Disease UK. The media coverage generated by this fundraiser has raised a lot of awareness of Lyme disease and the struggles that patients face.
These men had a particularly difficult crossing and had to persistently dig deep, battling horrendous conditions to achieve their goal. It was one of the toughest things they have ever done and we do not underestimate the mental and physical toll it took to reach Antigua. Team Seasoar you have done us proud and we will never forget what you have done for our community. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
We send our deepest thanks to all of you who have sponsored and donated to the team so far. You have been critical to our joint success. The money raised during this huge fundraising challenge will go a long way in helping us to provide more meaningful support for Lyme disease patients throughout the UK.