Let’s Row - Atlantic Ocean 22-23

Three years ago I had an insight that I needed to go beyond the horizon. I looked out across the Lyme Bay and wanted to go beyond, experience the expanse of the ocean, so all I could see was horizon. So, this December I am rowing across the Atlantic. In a 12-person, 38 ft ocean rowing boat, the trip will take roughly 40 days. In 3-hour shifts, we will row for 3, rest for 3, row for 3, rest for 3.

I’ve created ‘Let’s Row’ to take you on my journey. From why I’m doing it, to how I want it to make a difference. This is my own journey of self discovery, but through it I hope to inspire others.

The three charities I am supporting reflect my inner driving forces…

Your donations will be equally split four ways between The Ocean Cleanup, Seashepherd, The Menopause Charity and towards some of the cost of the expedition.

The Ocean Clean Up – Purely exist to clean up our oceans. The well-documented pollution of our oceans is something that is easy to ignore from our sofas. By rowing across the Atlantic, I hope to bring ocean pollution to your living room.

Sea Shephard – Dedicated to preserving oceans and ocean wildlife. They have a very radical approach, working to protect our oceans from illegal overfishing. As a committed vegan, the welfare of all animals in the sea and on land, as well as the sustainability of the lifecycles in our oceans, are things I feel passionately about.

Menopause Charity - Dr Louise Newson helped set up this charity to get information to those who don’t have easy access, to fund research and help women through this huge life change. Understanding more about menopause has made a real difference in my life, and I want to help more women and men get the menopause education we all deserve.

About me:

I was born into a family of rowers in my native Cologne on the river Rhine. After rowing competitively in my youth, I had a successful career as a photographer and designer in the Creative Industries and teaching photography in Higher Education. I have been living in the UK for over 20 years, and in 2018 changed careers to become a boatbuilder.

I live near Woodbridge in Suffolk and work for the Pioneer Sailing Trust in Brightlingsea, helping to deliver boatbuilding skills to local apprentices and supporting the community.

I’m a 56 year old lesbian woman, I love the sea, and I love inspiring and helping people.