Meet the Team - Lottie
23rd December 2023 by Lottie Hopkinson-Woolley
Six years ago, my brother introduced me to ocean rowing through Jess, who was supposed to discuss the Yachting Industry with me. Instead, we delved into ocean rowing, and I instantly knew I wanted to do it someday.
Following Jess in TWAC 2022, I helped secure sponsorship for her team, Full Throttle. During this time, I discovered Miriam's solo row, which captivated me for her entire 59-day journey, setting a new record.
In January 2023, I signed up for the World's Toughest Row 2026 with no team in mind. After Miriam's solo row, I messaged Miriam and proposed doing the race again, but as a team. In April, Miriam agreed to have a call with me, and our conversation spiraled. We spent over an hour chatting on the phone. While I initially suggested the idea of tackling the Atlantic as a pair, Miriam had different plans. In true Miriam style, the resounding answer was a firm "no, I’ve already done that" to the Atlantic. And so, the pivotal question emerged: which ocean would it be? We pondered on this for a little while.
I was brought up in Wimbledon and then attended a boarding prep school in West Sussex at the age of eight. It was there that I discovered my true passion lay outdoors and in sports. Rather than confining myself to the classroom, I immersed myself in various sports activities, making my way on to the boys' cricket and squash teams, and securing a spot on the A teams for all the sports I played (hockey, netball, tennis, squash, sailing and much more).
The Isle of Wight was my childhood playground; sailing came into my life properly when I was seven years old. I have always been drawn to the water which stemmed from my childhood summers on the Isle of Wight and going on Mark Warner sailing holidays. I learned to sail in my Optimist called Choppy and moved up into Lasers and S.V.O.Ds (Seaview One Design dinghies) specific to Isle of Wight. When I was 16 I became a qualified RYA Dinghy Instructor and started to teach children and adults how to sail. I did this in the summer holidays until I was 18. I love all water sports including water skiing and mono skiing. The water has always been my sanctuary, and where I feel most at home.
When I was 17, I was fortunate to go to South Africa on a school adventure trip which was extremely eye opening and helped me confront a lot of my fears…in particular heights! I back flipped out of an aeroplane, jumped off the side of a valley, free fell and then proceeded to swing across a valley. We also visited an orphanage which was an experience I will never forget.
After leaving school I decided not to go to university. Instead I went on a one month cookery course whilst training for my first Half Marathon. I then headed off to the French Alps to work in a chalet cooking and cleaning on my own 6 days a week for 8-12 people. After this I headed out to Paleros, Greece to be an RYA dinghy instructor at a brand new Mark Warner Hotel.
I then went off to Oxford Media and Business School to learn all the skills to get a ‘proper job’ as I decided I could not be a “season bum” anymore. Nine months later I graduated from OMBS with Distinction Honours and started my first desk job working for ultra high net worth individuals, looking after their homes and running their lives. It was a huge learning curve and extremely eye opening. I am now working in the City of London as a Personal Assistant to the CEO of a Telecoms company ‘Vorboss.’ Last year, with only weeks into the job, I suggested the idea on a whim that they should sponsor Jess’ team, Full Throttle. To my surprise they jumped at the idea and their saying “yes” meant that Jess was able to make the start line and not be in a financial crisis!
Surprisingly, my journey into rowing began only in April 2023. I took one-on-one lessons to grasp the basics. The real test came in November, with my first experience in an ocean rowing boat with the girls and our coach Duncan. I had two preconceived fears, one the dreaded bucket… and the other not enjoying it. Safe to say I loved every minute of it and the bucket wasn't THAT bad!! The little taste out on the water has left me wanting more. It was a revelation that erased any lingering doubts and replaced them with an unbridled eagerness for the forthcoming Great Pacific Escapade. I cannot wait for what is to come next year.
As the reality of the Pacific adventure sinks in, I find myself unable to contain my excitement. Miriam and Jess, both well-weathered in the world of ocean rowing, are not only teammates but mentors. Their seasoned expertise and ability to find humour in the face of adversity have transformed any apprehension into a sense of assurance. Their patience, guidance, and camaraderie have been a cornerstone of our teamwork. To say I am fortunate would be an understatement. Miriam and Jess bring a wealth of experience and a shared passion for this huge undertaking. We are a tight-knit team, driven by laughter, determination, and a shared commitment to what’s to come. I cannot wait to see what 2024 brings us.