Warsash aids adventurer’s Atlantic row

In December 2025, three remarkable adventurers, Stacey Rivers “Rivers”, John Hammond “Jonno”, and Emma Wolstenholme “Em” will take on the World’s Toughest Row: an epic 3,000-mile, unsupported ocean crossing from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to English Harbour, Antigua.

Stacey Rivers, aged 50, from Lymington in Hampshire, has been undertaking the Proficiency in Medical First Aid course at WMS. This five-day course, which helps to prepare seafarers to take charge of medical care on board ship, combines theory and practical sessions.

The Chief Innovation Officer and Director of Operations at BladeBUG, a deep-tech robotics company developing state-of-the-art robots to inspect, repair, and maintain wind turbine blades, views the course as essential preparation for the challenge. She says:

“Rowing 3,000 miles unsupported across the Atlantic isn’t just a test of endurance, it’s an extreme expedition in a remote, unpredictable and challenging environment. In that kind of isolation, help can be days away. Whilst we have comms systems on board to speak with the race doctor, I felt it was really important to have the knowledge and confidence to be able to manage medical situations onboard.

“I have completed three transatlantic crossings under sail, and you can never underestimate what you will face on a day-to-day basis so being physically, mentally and medically prepared isn’t optional, it’s critical.”

Having trained there many years ago, Stacey chose WMS to complete her training because of its longstanding reputation for maritime excellence and hands-on, scenario-based teaching. She says:

“With its deep expertise in offshore safety and seafaring conditions, I know I will be learning from the best, ensuring that Call to Earth is not only bold in mission, but prepared in practice,”

Competing in the World’s Toughest Row across the Atlantic, Call to Earth will face 40-50 days - or even more - of relentless waves, isolation, and extreme physical endurance. But this is more than a race for the team, it’s a mission. They are rowing to drive action for climate change and ocean health proving that grit, resilience, and purpose can inspire global change. For more information visit www.calltoearth.co.uk

You can find out more about the courses offered at WMS at maritime.solent.ac.uk

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