Powered by Mighty Oats – One Ocean Crew

FOUR ‘oar-some’ friends are preparing for an epic rowing challenge across the Atlantic Ocean, backed by Mornflake Mighty Oats.

One Ocean Crew, a team of four intrepid women, hope to raise money and awareness of an ocean protection charity by taking on the 3,000-mile Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge in December.

Now the adventure-seekers are in their final weeks of training with an ambitious goal in mind – to be the first all-female team past the finish line in one of the world’s toughest rowing challenges.

Their Skipper and Medical Lead, Jennifer Cullom, a Buckinghamshire-based physiotherapist who is helping her team-mates prepare for what she admits will be an ‘incredible feat of endurance and resilience’ battling the physical and mental extremes of more than 40 days out on the open ocean.

Undertaking the challenge with Jennifer are London-based landscape architect Emily Woodason and corporate investigator Janette Potgieter and Cornwall kayaking and wilderness expedition guide Erin Bastian.

Jennifer said: “Even getting to the start line has required a Herculean effort of preparation, fundraising and of course physical training. Searching for sponsorship in the current economic climate has of course been hard. We tried over 100 companies so were thrilled when Mornflake agreed to be headline partner making our dreams a reality.

Jenny added: “To power our transatlantic row, rowing two hours on, two hours off, 24 hours a day for more than 40 days, we need some serious fuel. Consuming more than 4000 calories a day, breakfast is a key meal for us. Mornflake Superfast porridge oats are the ultimate fuel to give us steady energy. Mornflake cereal is enjoyed worldwide including the Caribbean island of Antigua where coincidentally, One Ocean Crew will end their epic journey early next year.

“These Mighty Oats have been powering us over the waves throughout our training rows and will be coming on the boat to help us across the Atlantic. We will begin each day with a Mornflake breakfast pre-prepared in sealed vacuum packs. Facing sleep deprivation and 20ft high waves, we will need this energy and resilience in bucket loads.”

The friends, who met virtually during the first lockdown, are passionate about ocean protection. They have chosen the Sea Ranger Service as their official charity and have a JustGiving page. After the race, they will sell their ‘eco-boat’ to boost funds for the cause which is dedicated to restoring ocean biodiversity while training young people for a maritime career.

Mornflake Managing Director James Lea said: “We are delighted our oat products are helping One Ocean Crew train for their mission and will be their staple food source on the row. It’s an incredibly brave and commendable effort to raise awareness of ocean protection and encourage people to live more sustainably.

“It’s important to us to us to work side by side with Mother Nature and keep the world the way it should be. So One Ocean Crew, we salute you. We will proudly chart your progress on the voyage.”

One Ocean Crew set sail from the Canary Island, La Gomera, on December 12. Keep watching our social channels to chart the teams progress.