British adventurers Ruby Coates and Steff Evans have successfully completed a grueling 52-day transatlantic rowing challenge, arriving in Antigua after departing from Lanzarote, 80 miles off the north coast of Africa. The duo, who reside in Antigua, embarked on the voyage, taking part in the Atlantic Dash, not only as a personal challenge but to promote water safety and ocean rowing accessibility for locals.

As founders of On Deck Maritime Training, they were inspired to launch the Making Waves Project, a charity aimed at teaching Antiguans how to swim, providing free lessons, and conducting school-based water safety talks.

“Ocean rowing isn’t that accessible to  people on the island, even though a lot of rowing boats come in.  So we kind of had the opportunity to  do this ourselves, have a rowing boat, we’ve set up a charity.  So our charity  is going to be promoting  locals into ocean rowing, swimming, free swimming lessons,” Coates told IPB.

Throughout their journey, they faced harsh conditions, including gale-force winds, scorching sun, and extreme fatigue from rowing in alternating shifts with just two-hour breaks for rest. However, they also experienced breathtaking moments, such as a two-hour encounter with hundreds of dolphins, which turned one of their most challenging days into a magical experience.

So when they sighted Antigua at dawn, they were overwhelmed with emotion, recognizing familiar landmarks along the South Coast. “We could see, so we kind of, could see the lume of light at night. And then probably, I think it was about 7, 7.40 the following morning, I just stood at the back of the boat and I could, it looked like a shadow to start with. And I could see it was the shape of Antigua, just the mountains and stuff. And then as we got closer, just got more more detailed, Evans recalled.

Reflecting on the challenge, they admitted swearing “never again” during the toughest moments but now consider a future attempt.

The pair expressed gratitude to supporters, including Jolly Harbour, On Deck Maritime Training, and friends back home who cheered them on. Their efforts now turn to expanding the Making Waves Project, ensuring more locals have access to swimming and maritime opportunities.