A mixed-sex team from 12th Regiment, Royal Artillery is taking the helm for the World’s Toughest Row.
Starting from La Gomera in the Canary Islands in December, the challenge sees rowers embark on a 3,000-mile quest across the Atlantic to Antigua.
In a first for the service, last year’s entry was an all-female outfit. And there will be another first this time round as the gunners are all junior ranks.
Bdr Katie Devine will act as skipper and Bdr Olie Cutting 2iC, with LBdr Travis Sawyer and Bdr Vicki Wratten-Wood completing the line-up. Gnr Emma Mackenzie is team reserve.
“I have always been interested in rowing, but I want to see how far I can push my mind and body and thought the World’s Toughest Row was the best competition for me,” said Bdr Devine, who at 24 will be the youngest skipper in the field.
“My main goal is to inspire junior leadership as this will be the first army team to row across the Atlantic with no officers.
“It’s important to show that you don’t have to be an expert to try something new.”
LBdr Sawyer added: “This is about putting myself in a position where I will be pushed beyond any scale of comfort and then some, to see what l am capable of especially as there is no getting off once you have had enough.” Follow their preparations via @forceatlantic on Instagram.
