Record-breaking Ocean Rows

In 2016, Bella Collins (C 06), and her crew ‘Row Like a Girl’, smashed the Guinness World Record for the fastest all-female team to row the Atlantic. This year, she has added to this incredible feat by rowing the Pacific in record-breaking time with her team ‘Ocean Sheroes’. In the crossing from San Francisco to Hawaii, they were faced with treacherous waves, strong currents, lack of sleep, strenuous and relentless rowing and isolation from family and friends for 35 gruelling days. We were delighted to catch up with Bella after her inspiring challenge…

On the Pacific Row, did you wonder at any point ‘why am I doing this’?

Absolutely, especially after having done it before! All the memories and hardships from my Atlantic row came back and there are times you really do question “what is the point?”. However, it’s in these times that you have to dig the deepest and remind yourself why you said yes in the first place.

There were several reasons why I took on the Pacific. Firstly, it was about being part of a team and having a drive, outside of work, to challenge myself and focus on. This turned out to be hugely important throughout the lockdowns to keep up my motivation and energy levels. Secondly, I love the people you meet and the experiences you have when training for a row like this; you cross paths with characters you wouldn’t come across in your day-to-day life who open your eyes, challenge your thoughts and teach you valuable lessons.

What were the highest and lowest points during the challenge?

The first five days were the most difficult for me. The brutal weather was delivering side-on waves, that landed on the deck and ensured we were constantly wet, which in turn meant we were eternally cold. One of our crewmates was very seasick; not only is it horrible to watch a friend suffer but it meant we had to cover some long night shifts that seemed to last an eternity. There were a few special highlights, including listening to a Coldplay concert when we were all on deck on a ‘bluebird day’, a shift where we had big following waves that we could surf down at speed and, of course, seeing Hawaii for the first time!

How do you cope with both the physical and mental strain?

Mentally, I’m a positive person, so I can handle the mental strain fairly

The Ocean Sheroes team as they reached the shores of Hawaii.

well. Having said that, and I think this is where misconceptions are often made, I am also an emotional person. I’ve learnt that showing vulnerability and emotion doesn’t make you weaker; it’s OK to be upset and to accept your feelings and then let it go and move forward. This helped me pick myself up and look at the bigger picture. Physically, we spent nearly nine months training with Angus Barton (Fgh 03) who ensured our strength and mobility were at the best for our individual abilities. This took a lot of dedication but was so worth it as no-one had any major injuries on the crossing.

What advice would you give to other OUs also considering such a demanding activity?

An expedition like this can seem like a huge undertaking; however, just say yes, take one step at a time and it’s amazing how much you can achieve.

You’ve raised a phenomenal amount for @seabin_project, what does the charity mean to you?

The Seabin Project is an incredible Australian charity which is not only trying to clean up our ports and marinas but also doing critical research into the waste they collect, where it’s coming from and how to prevent further waste ending up in our marine environments.

How does it feel to have smashed the Guinness World Records for the fastest all-female team to cross the Atlantic and now the Pacific?

To be honest, I feel very lucky. I have had the most amazing support from my colleagues, friends and family. I’ve also been hugely fortunate to have rowed with two incredible female teams without whom I couldn’t have achieved this.

The Ocean Sheroes team as they reached the shores of Hawaii.

How do you adjust to everyday life again after such a focused and adrenaline-fuelled experience?

I’ve adjusted much quicker post this row than my last. I only moved to Cornwall in August 2020, bought my first home this year and started a new job with an amazing sustainable start-up called Flexi-Hex. The pre-race campaign took up so much of my spare time, I wasn’t able to make the most of my new environment, so I was really excited to get back and relax into Cornish life.

What next? Time to relax for a while or are you planning your next adventure?

No big expeditions, just some micro-adventures locally: surfing, paddle boarding, sea swimming and lots of walking!

A jubilant Bella Collins (C 06) at reaching the finish of the Great Pacific Race in record-breaking time.

Bella isn’t alone in having taken on an ocean rowing challenge this year. Her brother Angus (WB 03) also completed the Great Pacific Race, in just 30 days, 5 hours and 37 minutes with his team Lat 35 Racing. In doing so, the crew broke the previous world record by nine days and Angus has added to his previous World Record titles for rowing the Atlantic and Indian Oceans – a momentous achievement.

Rupert Fenby (LH 15) also successfully fulfilled his ambition to row the Atlantic Ocean. After leaving Uppingham last Summer, he was keen to take on a gap year endurance challenge. He, and 11 teammates, onboard their 40ft long boat Roxy, completed the row in 42 days and, at just 19 years, Rupert became one of the youngest people to complete the race. And there’s no stopping him – Rupert has since completed a round Britain row as well!