HMS Oardacious, an Ocean Rowing team of serving Royal Navy Personnel, has embarked on their fifth Atlantic crossing, taking on the famous World’s Toughest Row, a grueling, 3,000-mile race from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Nelson’s Dockyard in Antigua & Barbuda.
Over the next 40 days, the crew will row in relentless 2-hour on, 2-hour off shifts, battling 40ft waves, salt sores, sea sickness and sleep deprivation - all while coping with the emotional challenge of being away from loved ones for more than a month.
The four-person team is made up of two Royal Navy Aircraft Engineers: Commodore Richard Purdy (skipper) and WO1 Liam Hoddy; and 2 Submariners: Lt Cdr Guy Wilton (Weapons Engineer Submariner) and Surg Lt Cdr Addison Taylor (a Submariner Medical Officer now working with the NHS at Glasgow Hospital A&E department).
Reflecting on what inspired him to take on this immense challenge, Commodore Purdy said: “The opportunity to raise money for RNRMC and support the mental wellbeing of our people; doing something that will be a life achievement and something to learn from both professionally and personally. I want to prove to my boys that with commitment, determination, and a positive attitude you can achieve great things.”
The crew has spent the year preparing both physically and technically for the crossing. Alongside their training, they have used their campaign to champion STEM education and inspire the next generation, working with youth organisations including the Royal Navy Cadets, Sea Cadets UK, Reach the World, the Sir Thomas Lipton Foundation, Never Such Innocence and the Sailors’ Children’s Society.
Their boat, “Captain Jim”, is named in honour of Captain Jim Simpson, who tragically took his own life in 2020. Now setting out on its third Atlantic crossing, the boat continues to serve as a powerful symbol for mental-health awareness - an issue at the heart of HMS Oardacious’ mission.
Liam captured the uniqueness of the challenge: “Approximately 15,000 people have done Everest but only about 1,500 have done this. To join such a small cadre is a chance not to be thrown away.”
HMS Oardacious is proudly fundraising for Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC), raising vital funds to provide Mental Health and wellbeing support to serving personnel and their families.
Speaking about the charity, Addison said: “The charity has supported HMS Oardacious throughout its journey and provides serving sailors, marines and their families with amazing support while deployed.”
Looking ahead to the journey, Guy added: “I’m looking forward to all of the sights, the stars and the absolute buzz when we cross the finish line.”
You can support HMS Oardacious and help them raise funds for RNRMC by donating here.
Photo credit: Atlantic Campaigns
