08/08/2025
Just before the craziness of Covid, we sponsored 'The Ocean 5', headed by Kevin Gaskell rowing the Atlantic Ocean from La Gomera to Antigua, as part of the Talisker Whisky Challenge, smashing the World Record for a 5 man team and breaking two of our sponsored oars at the same time.
Earlier this year Kevin and our MD Ross Negus had a discussion regarding potential sponsorship for their next challenge; The Worlds Toughest Row from Monterey, California to Hanalei Bay, Kaua'i (Hawaii), supporting the The Lewis Moody Foundation, tackling brain tumours - something very close to SFS.
In the words of Kevin "Well, the Pacific rowing race is over and we are back in the UK catching our breath and, having lost 10-12kg of body weight each, eating for England! It was a beast of a row with adverse currents, cold weather, squalls and headwinds for much of the way. I guess that could make it memorable for the wrong reasons, but 2 world records and delivering the third fastest Pacific crossing ever thankfully made it memorable for the right reasons. If you haven’t seen it, please click on the World’s Toughest Row link below and you will see a brief highlight reel of the Ocean5 team in action. Apologies for the sparsity of the clothing!
Overall it was a great experience. While we expected the crossing to be challenging (hugely), exciting (terrifying) and to have some fun moments (very few) we were aiming at the world record and we achieved it. Alongside all of that we were rowing to raise much needed funds for the Lewis Moody Foundation and the wonderful work the LMF team do to tackle brain tumours. Without sponsors it would just be a row, but with sponsors we collectively achieved something really special in raising almost £100,000 for the charity. I would like to thank you and your colleagues for your contribution to this cause by sponsoring our oars once again – you have helped to save lives "
Our MD, Ross Negus added "It was a huge pleasure to once again sponsor the oars, especially for a charity that is very close to SFS. Kevin, his son and the whole team are an inspiration to us all, the dedication and hard work to tackle the Worlds Toughest Row is one thing, but to break two world records is a magnificent achievement. Well done and thanks for making a difference"
Short YouTube Reel Here; https://lnkd.in/eWArMuAW
