Hi, I’m Jacob. I’ve been working as a truck driver for five years now on the Isle of Wight taking recyclable waste off the island to be processed and bringing back goods from around the country.
I had never heard of ocean rowing until my brother Adam mentioned it, so I suggested to him, let’s row the North Atlantic.
Well during our planning of this Adam decided to sail the route by himself from the Isle of Wight to New York and back, a dream he had had for a long time. Becoming the first type one diabetic to sail this solo. After three months at sea, on his return, Adam said to me “Jacob, there’s no way I’m rowing a rowing boat across that ocean”.
So on that we let the project rest..
Well guess what.. it’s come alive again, but this time with one rower.. Me!
Back in 1896 the North Atlantic became the first ocean to be rowed by two Norwegian fishermen. Since then only four people have rowed solo this route. Two SAS commandos, one Everest summiteer and one extreme ocean kayaker/explorer.
This will be the story of a very ordinary truck driver taking on the extraordinary and becoming the fifth person to row this route.
Known as the longest and hardest crossing of the North Atlantic Ocean, I’ll be having a traditional dory built for the row much like the boats used in these first crossings. The row will take up to four months to complete. Being alone in a 20ft rowing boat, facing the solitude, storms and finding the strength not to give up are some of the challenges I’ll have to cope with.
During the row I’ll be raising awareness and funds for young minds and ccamhs. Both are amazing mental health charities for young people.
Youngminds is our national charity whilst Camhs is a local service for the Isle of Wight.
I personally know how difficult life can be, coping with mental health and the pressures it puts on families. I’ve struggled with depression and social anxiety throughout my life.
I really hope this project can make a difference and inspire kids.
To get the boat built and fitted out with the navigation and satellite communication systems, safety equipment, and all that goes with a Project of this scale I need to raise £95 000.
What I’m hoping for is people to feel inspired to donate towards this unusual project,.
If you are a company who sees possibilities in being a part of this venture as a corporate sponsor, please do get in touch.
Please share my page and let’s get this trucker rowing!