Meet the Team - Jess

21st December 2023 by Jess Rowe

I first crossed paths with Mims in La Gomera last year during our preparations for The World's Toughest Row, previously known as the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge. Our initial encounter took place at the renowned rowers' haunt, the Blue Marlin bar! Prior to meeting face-to-face, we had exchanged messages over WhatsApp in anticipation of the race. As the event unfolded, we ended up spending nearly every evening together throughout the two-week period. Fond memories were made during our shared meals out and impromptu pool gatherings at our AirBnB, to the slight displeasure of our hosts!

For this challenge, I was part of an all female team of four, named Full Throttle. The name emerged from the frenzied rush to prepare ourselves for the starting line. We formed the team just five months prior to the race start after some difficulties with our original team. Despite the tight time frame, we successfully navigated the crossing to Antigua in 42 days, 7 hours, and 18 minutes. Our achievement not only secured victory in the female race class but also earned us the prestigious Murden Cup. This award honours the pioneering spirit of the first woman to row across the Atlantic, Tori Murden in 1999.

A couple of weeks after arriving on land, I made it my mission to empty the bars of the English Harbour to make some ‘noise’ as instructed to by race CEO Carsten, as Mims was rowing to the finish line having broken the female race record in the middle of the night. This was enough to inspire me to do something bigger, and I was so excited to hear about her voyage. Shortly thereafter, seated in her hotel room, our conversation swiftly shifted to brainstorming a multitude of races and challenges we could potentially take on together. So I guess you could say that’s where this next adventure began.

For close to six years, I've been immersed within the yachting industry. Over this time, I've witnessed numerous rowers arriving in the harbour annually. Additionally, my father, Nick Rowe, participated in the Atlantic rowing challenge back in 2005 alongside my Godfather, Al Howard, as a pair—part of the same race that involved notable figures like Ben Fogle and James Cracknell. Given this familial connection and the allure of the event, participating was simply inevitable; the temptation was too strong to resist.

My upbringing in the Hampshire countryside fueled my passion for sports, and I was determined to participate in every activity my school offered, even fighting my way onto the boys teams. I was fiercely competitive, excelling particularly in cross country running and athletics. At Pangbourne College, I delved into rowing from the age of 12, trying my hand at various boat types in regattas. Despite my persistent efforts, river rowing didn't quite align with my skill set—perhaps my perpetual 'vertically challenged' status played a role! Nevertheless, through thick and thin, my incredible mum Jools travelled far and wide every weekend, unwavering in her support, cheering me on in every match and event. Her dedication was a constant source of motivation and love throughout my sporting endeavours.

Having had the fortune of going on a few Mark Warner holidays in my youth, I quickly picked up sailing and windsurfing and decided that I absolutely loved water sports. Through the years, together with my sister Phoebe, we earned our RYA dinghy sailing certifications in Salcombe and also spent a couple of weeks every year sailing our mirror dinghy in the pouring rain in Anglesey, North Wales.

I've consistently pursued adventures, climbing Mount Kenya, trekking 630 miles along England's South West Coast Path while wild camping for 52 nights, and have cycled from the North to the South of Spain to reach the starting point of 'The World's Toughest Row' in 2022.

Lottie saved my Atlantic row after bringing on the company she worked with [Vorboss] as our title sponsor just weeks before the race start. If it weren’t for Lottie I’d be in a whole lot of trouble financially!

I’m so excited to now be a part of team Seas the Day alongside Mims and Lottie who provide nothing but the best company with their positive attitude and relentless drive to live each day to its fullest. The Pacific Ocean will be tough, but our team spirit will carry us through its challenges.