Our incredible journey is about more than just the miles! We're immensely proud to be supporting Children in Need. Every donation helps make a real difference to young lives across the UK.
What an incredible journey it's been so far! The Roxy GB Row continues to deliver breathtaking views, extraordinary challenges, and pure oar-some determination. Leg 6 has been nothing short of spectacular, bringing new faces, historic sights, and the ever-present thrill of the open water. Let's dive into the highlights of this fantastic leg!
And just like that, the incredible adventure continued! Roxy and her brand-new crew for Leg 6 were officially off, pushing south towards Grimsby! Joining the seasoned skipper Neil Blackeby were the fantastic Juliane Sutter, Hans-Martin Lent-Philipps, and David Abbott. What an exciting start to this fresh chapter of the Roxy GB Row, all in support of Children in Need!
Their first 24 hours were a masterclass in smart rowing. They aimed to push hard towards Seahouses, planning a well-deserved afternoon rest to wait out the adverse tide and a stubborn south-easterly wind. This wasn't just about strategy; it was a brilliant opportunity for the new team to truly connect, find their rhythm on Roxy, and start forging those crucial bonds that make an ocean rowing crew unbreakable.
As they powered from Eyemouth to Seahouses, the crew was treated to some truly stunning coastal landmarks. Imagine rowing past the dramatic cliffs of St Abbs Head with its iconic lighthouse, or the beautiful coastline leading to the historic town of Berwick-upon-Tweed. And then, the majestic Holy Island of Lindisfarne appeared on the horizon – its ancient castle and priory standing proud, a sight steeped in centuries of history and natural beauty! Every stroke taken amidst such grandeur made the adventure even more profound.
What a fantastic start to Leg 6 indeed! After a long and undoubtedly challenging first day, Roxy made it safely to Seahouses! And the excitement didn't stop there. Who was back on board to lend some extra oar power? The legend himself, Damo! A massive welcome back, Damo – your energy and strength were a huge boost to the crew!
Before reaching Seahouses, Roxy anchored off the truly unique Holy Island of Lindisfarne to wait for a favorable tide. This isn't just any island; it's a tidal island, completely cut off from the mainland twice a day by the sea, accessible only by a causeway at low tide! Holy Island holds immense historical and spiritual significance as one of the most important centers of early English Christianity, where the famous Lindisfarne Gospels were created. Imagine the feeling of rowing past such a place, steeped in centuries of history and inspiring stories! It's moments like these that truly make adventure special.
From there, the journey south continued, with Blyth as their next destination. As they pushed onwards from Seahouses, the crew was treated to views of the dramatic Northumberland coastline. They passed stretches of rugged cliffs, expansive sandy beaches, and perhaps even caught glimpses of iconic fortresses like Bamburgh Castle, perched majestically on a volcanic outcrop. Further south, the stunning ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle stood proudly on a headland, a testament to medieval power. The coastline also offered a haven for seabirds, providing a dynamic backdrop of puffins, gannets, and guillemots soaring and diving.
After a brief but effective stop in Blyth, Roxy and her incredible crew wasted no time, departing on the tide late last night! They were making fantastic progress south, slicing through the waves with pure determination. We were eagerly anticipating them passing the iconic town of Whitby later that day! Go, Roxy! 🚀
As they powered along this stunning stretch of coastline, the crew was treated to some truly memorable sights! They passed by the impressive St Mary's Lighthouse on St Mary's Island, a beautiful landmark just off the coast near Whitley Bay. Further south, they encountered the dramatic cliffs and long sandy beaches of the Durham Heritage Coast, rich with mining history and rugged beauty. Every stroke was a step further into new landscapes and new experiences.
What a day for our incredible Roxy crew! Leg 6, Day 4, brought our adventurous team to a pit stop in beautiful Whitby! We're not sure if they were sampling the famous fish and chips, checking out where Captain Cook's HMS Endeavour was built, or just enjoying a well-deserved rest. Whatever the reason, the wind gods decided to play a little game this morning, throwing some feisty headwinds their way and keeping them harbour-bound!
But fear not, adventurers! The wind was set to drop later that day, and that meant a super fun night row down to Scarborough was on the cards! Talk about embracing the unexpected twists and turns of an ocean adventure!
In the blink of an eye, our amazing Roxy crew absolutely smashed Leg 6, finishing up in Scarborough early this morning! A massive congratulations goes out to skipper Neil Blackeby, the fantastic Juliane Sutter, Hans-Martin Lent-Philipps, Damo Lawrance, and David Abbott! 🎉 Their resilience, teamwork, and sheer grit shone through every nautical mile.
We're sad to say farewell to Damo – thank you so much for stepping in and being such an integral part of Leg 6! And a huge shout-out to David, who just completed his very first rowing adventure with us! What an achievement! Stepping into an ocean rowing boat for the first time is a massive leap, and David absolutely crushed it.
Now, for the exciting news! Joining Neil, Juliane, and Hans-Martin for the final leg of this incredible GB Row adventure are Anne-Marie Cowling, Paul Baker, and our returning skipper, the wonderful Louise Brown! Get ready for an epic finish as they embark on the grand finale! Roxy will be departing Scarborough on Saturday afternoon – stay tuned for more updates as this epic journey reaches its thrilling conclusion!
Beyond the personal triumphs and the breathtaking scenery, remember the heart of this entire adventure: Children in Need. Every stroke they take, every challenge they overcome, is fueled by the desire to make a real difference in young lives.
A huge thank you to everyone who has already donated! Your support means the world to us and to the children who will benefit.
We were thrilled to welcome our new skipper, Louise Brown, aboard! And a warm welcome also went out to new crew members Fran Mason, Stas Kelvich, and Damian Lawrance. Plus, we were super excited that the legendary Neil Blackeby stayed with Roxy for another leg! Conditions for departure were looking good, with light, southerly winds aiding their push around the top of Scotland and a largely smooth sea state.
What an incredible first 24 hours! Roxy and the crew put in some serious effort, making excellent progress south with a non-stop push across the Moray Firth. Imagine rowing alongside approximately 200 bottlenose dolphins – one of the UK's largest resident populations! Truly amazing!
They also journeyed past the impressive Moray East Wind Farm, a true sight to behold with its 100 massive 9.5MW Vestas turbines covering 295 square kilometres. This powerhouse of clean energy provides enough renewable electricity to power over 1 million homes! Sunday morning found them bravely rowing along the stunning Moray coastline, having just passed the beautiful Bay of Gamrie, heading towards Boath Head with its dramatic cliffs and picturesque fishing villages. Every stroke brought them closer to their goal, and we couldn't be prouder!
All was well aboard Roxy on Day 2! Spirits were high, and the team was working together brilliantly. They took a well-deserved rest in Peterhead, patiently waiting for the next tide. Their next major challenge? Crossing the mighty Firth of Forth en route to the charming fishing town of Eyemouth, just over 100 miles away. Their dedication was truly inspiring!
What a start to Day 3! Roxy departed Peterhead late on Sunday night and enjoyed fantastic rowing conditions heading south past Aberdeen. And guess what? The dolphins came out to support them! The waters off Aberdeen are renowned for their bottlenose dolphin population, and it's always a special moment when these magnificent creatures put on a show alongside the boat.
The crew even had a thrilling two-hour race with a lighthouse near Aberdeen – and they won! While we don't have all the details, we're guessing it was the iconic Girdle Ness Lighthouse, standing proudly since 1833. It’s fantastic to hear the crew's spirits were so high, finding fun in every nautical mile!
Another solid day on the oars saw Roxy and the crew continuing their push south. For all you golf fans, they even passed by some truly hallowed ground: St Andrews, the "Home of Golf," and Carnoustie, known as "Golf's Greatest Test"! Imagine rowing past such legendary landscapes!
After their impressive progress, they successfully crossed the Firth of Forth overnight and arrived in the wee hours into Dunbar Harbour. Dunbar, a historic coastal town with the second oldest RNLI station in the UK, provided a well-deserved rest in a storied place. This journey truly highlights how teamwork isn't just a buzzword; it's the very foundation of success on an expedition like this, forging lifelong friendships and unbreakable bonds.
Huge congratulations are for the incredible Roxy crew – they've officially finished Leg 5! Despite that ever-present, pesky headwind trying to slow them down, their determination shone through. A massive well done to Fran, Stas, Damo, Neil, and Louise – what a fantastic effort from every single one of you!
A special shout-out and heartfelt thanks go to Louise for expertly skippering this crew. Your leadership and skill were instrumental in bringing Roxy safely to the finish line of this demanding leg. And to Fran, Stas, and Damo, it has been an absolute pleasure following your journey – we hope to see you all back on the water again soon!
For Neil, it's time to grab some well-deserved rest, because he's back in charge for Leg 6! Get those batteries recharged!
Every powerful stroke Roxy takes brings us closer to our goal of supporting Children in Need. This incredible journey isn't just about the miles; it's about shining a light on young lives across the UK and making a tangible difference.
What an absolute whirlwind of a leg! Leg 4, taking on the mighty ~200 miles from Oban to Thurso, proved to be every bit the wild, beautiful, and utterly unforgettable adventure we expected. And just like that, our incredible Roxy crew has conquered it, safely making it to Lochinver!
The moment we slipped lines from Dunstaffnage Marina, the energy was palpable! Our Roxy crew, led by seasoned skipper Neil Blackeby, alongside the phenomenal Stefan Shacker (what a legend staying on for a second consecutive leg!), and our fantastic new additions Claire Bedworth and Peter Wahlgren, were off! They powered through an all-nighter, cruising past the stunning Isle of Mull and the postcard-perfect, brightly coloured buildings of Tobermory. From there, it was past Mallaig and up the iconic Sound of Sleat and Loch Alsh, home to the majestic Eilean Donan Castle. Spirits were high, speeds were impressive, and the views? Simply breathtaking!
A huge shout-out to everyone at Dunstaffnage Marina for their fantastic support – we truly couldn't do this without you!
Day 2 certainly brought the Scottish weather in full force – wet, wet, wet! But did that dampen the Roxy crew's spirits? Absolutely not! They embraced the damp conditions with true adventurer grit, making solid progress up the stunning west coast. After powering through the Sound of Sleat and Loch Alsh, they made a smart stop at Kyleakin. It was the perfect spot for some well-deserved rest, strategic refueling (we heard whispers of two breakfasts! 😉), and patiently awaiting the turn of the tide.
Then came an iconic moment: rowing right under the Skye Bridge, that vital link connecting the Isle of Skye to mainland Scotland since 1995! What a landmark! They experienced the full spectrum of Scottish weather, from sun to strong winds, but even better, they were treated to sightings of amazing wildlife along the way. Epic!
Our dedicated crew was on fire throughout Saturday night, pushing relentlessly north! It's a constant dance with the elements out here, but our team truly mastered the moves, determined to get as far up the rugged west coast as possible. The scenery continued to be wild and beautiful, and the wildlife sightings just kept getting better – playful seals, charming puffins, agile dolphins, and graceful porpoises all came out to say hello! What an absolute privilege to share these waters with such incredible creatures.
After a phenomenal push, Roxy safely made her way into the sheltered Lochinver harbour on Sunday morning. A much-needed stop to dry out (yes, it kept raining! 😅), grab some well-deserved rest, and regroup. The wind proved to be a feistier companion than even the specialist weather apps predicted for this entire leg, so taking a moment to reassess and plan was key.
And the best part? Witnessing this group of total strangers, united by the love of rowing and the sea, truly coming together. They weren't just forming a great crew; they were forging lifelong friendships right there on the water. That's the real magic of these expeditions!
With forecasts showing north 3 to 5 winds, backing northwest 4 to 6, the Roxy crew made the sensible and absolutely vital decision to end Leg 4 in Lochinver. Safety is, and always will be, our absolute top priority. While it's tough to stop when that adventurous spirit is still buzzing, making smart choices in challenging conditions is what truly defines a great crew.
This leg has been nothing short of epic! It was hard, challenging, windy, cold, and certainly wet – but it was also great fun every step of the way! They've been treated to amazing scenery, countless wildlife sightings, and witnessed the incredible power of companionship forming onboard. Oh, and did we mention lots of breakfasts?! Fueling up is key when you're conquering the Scottish coast!
As we close out Leg 4, a massive THANK YOU goes out to our incredible crew! To Stefan Shacker, who has now completed two fantastic legs, your dedication is truly inspiring! To Claire Bedworth and Peter Wahlgren, thank you for bringing your energy and strength to this challenging leg. And of course, a huge shout-out to our skipper, Neil, for yet another leg completed safely and expertly guided.
What an adventure Leg 4 turned out to be! Setting off from Oban, our incredible Roxy crew embarked on a challenging ~200-mile journey aiming for Thurso, the very top of Scotland. Skipper Neil Blackeby expertly led the charge, joined by the fantastic Stefan Shacker (on his second leg!), and welcomed new crew Claire Bedworth and Peter Wahlgren. A huge shout-out to Dunstaffnage Marina for their amazing support – we couldn't have started without them!
Day 1 kicked off with an all-nighter, as the crew powered past the stunning Isle of Mull and the postcard-perfect, colourful town of Tobermory. From there, it was past Mallaig and into the iconic Sound of Sleat and Loch Alsh, where they even glimpsed the majestic Eilean Donan Castle! Despite the "wet, wet, wet" conditions on Day 2, the crew's spirits weren't dampened. They pushed through, made a strategic stop at Kyleakin for some well-deserved rest (and a couple of breakfasts!), then continued their journey under the impressive Skye Bridge.
The adventure brought a full spectrum of Scottish weather – sun, rain, strong winds from all directions – but also incredible wildlife sightings, including playful seals, charming puffins, agile dolphins, and graceful porpoises.
Through Saturday night, the Roxy team powered north, embracing the challenge of the wild west coast. Day 3 saw them pushing relentlessly, dancing with the elements, until they safely reached Lochinver harbour. This stop provided a much-needed chance to dry out, rest, and regroup, especially as the winds proved even feistier than predicted.
Beyond the miles and the elements, Leg 4 was a testament to the human spirit. It was truly fantastic to witness a group of strangers, united by the love of rowing and the sea, forge lifelong friendships right there on the water. This leg was hard, challenging, windy, cold, and wet, but it was also filled with immense fun, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable companionship.
On Day 4, with strong winds in the forecast, the crew made the sensible and vital decision to end Leg 4, prioritizing safety above all. While the journey didn't reach Thurso, it was an epic achievement filled with incredible memories.
A massive THANK YOU to our amazing crew: Stefan Shacker for his inspiring dedication across two legs, Claire Bedworth and Peter Wahlgren for their strength, and skipper Neil for another leg safely and expertly guided.
This journey was about more than just the miles. We're immensely proud to be supporting Children in Need. Every stroke helped raise awareness and vital funds for children and young people across the UK.
What a whirlwind adventure Leg 3 has been for Roxy and her incredible crew! Kicking off from Porthdinllaen, Wales, with new skipper Ali Ball and fresh faces Julius Deane and Stefan Shacker joining the Roxy family (and a huge cheer for Graham Stuart sticking on for his final leg!), this stage was always destined to be epic.
Day one saw Roxy making a valiant push towards the infamous Menai Strait. This isn't just any waterway; it's a beast with currents that can hit 10 knots and whirlpools in a section affectionately known as the "Swellies"! The crew battled through, proving their mettle right from the start. With winds picking up, a smart decision saw Roxy tucking into Port Dinorwic Marina and then Conwy for safety, showing that even the toughest rowers know when to play it safe.
The weather continued to be a feisty opponent, but Roxy's team is all about adaptability! Instead of letting the wind slow them down, they made a brilliant pivot, heading for the legendary Crinan Canal. Dubbed "Britain's most beautiful shortcut," this 15-lock, nine-mile marvel saved them a treacherous journey around the Mull of Kintyre. Talk about turning a challenge into a scenic advantage! Even with grey skies and rain, spirits remained high as they emerged from the canal, setting their sights firmly on Oban.
After dropping anchor in Easdale Bay to catch the perfect tide, Roxy made her entrance into Oban, the "Gateway to the Isles." This bustling Scottish hub, with its natural deep-water harbour, welcomed our triumphant crew, marking the official completion of Leg 3!
A massive round of applause and heartfelt thanks go out to the incredible Leg 3 crew: Ali Ball for her superb leadership, Julius Deane, and a special, bittersweet farewell to Graham Stuart, Scotland's oldest Atlantic oarsman, who has been an absolute inspiration through three monumental legs! Your dedication has been truly outstanding.
Roxy is now safely berthed in Dunstaffnage Marina, taking a well-deserved breather. But the adventure doesn't stop here! Leg 4 from Oban to Thurso is already on the horizon, kicking off this Thursday! We're thrilled to welcome back Neil as skipper, with Stefan continuing his journey onboard, and we'll be introducing the new crew members very soon!
We've been sharing all the highs, the strategic pit stops, and the incredible progress of Roxy on her epic GB Row Adventure 2025! Now it's time to let you in on how YOU can be an even bigger part of this incredible journey!
We're rowing every mile to support the truly inspiring work of Children in Need. Every donation, big or small, helps make a tangible difference in young lives across the UK. Let's make this incredible physical challenge mean even more!
💛 Help us reach our goal! Donate to Children in Need here: 👉 https://www.justgiving.com/page/roxy-gbrow-children-in-need
What an incredible chapter the Roxy crew just closed! Leg 2 of the GB Row 2025 kicked off from Plymouth's Queen Anne's Battery, setting our sights firmly on the Welsh coast. This wasn't just about covering miles; it was about pushing limits and making every stroke count for Children in Need.
The adventure began with our initial crew – Neil, Graham, Jane, Rachel, and Sasha – heading out into some great rowing conditions. They made fantastic early progress, taking in those beautiful Cornish views and even making a smart call to anchor off The Lizard to time the next tide perfectly.
Mid-leg, we saw a pivotal, yet smooth, transition. A huge thank you to Neil for his dedication and leadership in getting Leg 2 underway! With a bittersweet goodbye, we then welcomed the incredibly experienced Andy Hodgson as our new skipper. Andy's no stranger to big rows, having circumnavigated Great Britain before, so Roxy was in the safest of hands!
With Andy at the helm, the crew powered on. They quickly passed the iconic Runnel Stone, rounded the majestic Land's End, and then braced themselves for the Bristol Channel. This section proved to be a real test, with strong flood tides trying to push Roxy off course. But did the crew back down? Not! They battled hard, showing incredible grit and determination with every single stroke.
Despite the challenges thrown their way, the entire Leg 2 crew – Andy, Graham, Jane, Rachel, and Sasha – gelled! Their teamwork was phenomenal, their spirits stayed high, and their resilience was truly inspiring. They even managed to make landfall in Wales just before some strong winds hit, showing fantastic timing and skill!
A massive round of applause to every single one of them for this epic achievement!
As we celebrate their incredible journey, we're reminded that every powerful stroke on this adventure helps raise awareness and funds for Children in Need. Their vital work transforms young lives, and we couldn't be prouder to support them.
Now, the adventure rolls on! Leg 3 is on the horizon, taking Roxy from Abersoch, Wales, all the way to Oban, Scotland. We're thrilled to welcome new skipper Ali Ball, alongside Julius Deane and Stefan Shacker, with the legendary Graham Stuart staying on for his final leg!
Stay tuned for more updates as Roxy continues her incredible circumnavigation!
The Rannoch Adventure GB Row 2025 officially commenced on June 8th with the departure of "Roxy" from Ramsgate, embarking on Leg 1 of its ambitious circumnavigation of Great Britain. The inaugural crew for this challenging segment comprised Skipper Neil Blackeby, Betsy Board, Graham Stuart, and Mark Latymer, with their primary objective being Queen Anne’s Battery in Plymouth. This formidable endeavour is proudly supporting Children in Need.
The initial days of Leg 1 presented immediate challenges from Mother Nature. Following an early departure from Dover Marina on Day 2, the crew faced significant headwinds and strong currents near Dungeness. Prioritising safety and adherence to the overall schedule, a strategic decision was made for Roxy to return to Dover. Rannoch Adventure extends its sincere gratitude to the Dover Marina team for their invaluable assistance during this unexpected return.
Despite this early setback, the crew's resilience and determination remained unwavering. Special acknowledgement is given to Henry Message from Hayling Island Sailing Club, whose swift support was instrumental in facilitating Roxy's re-entry to the water following the strategic diversion.
With renewed vigour, Roxy resumed her westward voyage. The crew skillfully leveraged favourable tides, making excellent mileage as they navigated key coastal landmarks. This included passing through the Solent, docking briefly at Yarmouth Marina, approaching Lulworth Cove, and rounding the iconic Portland Bill. The team consistently demonstrated high spirits and exceptional teamwork throughout these demanding phases.
Further weather-related challenges necessitated a tactical stop in Weymouth, where the crew opted for a sensible layover due to strong winds. Demonstrating their adaptability, they subsequently planned a night passage past Portland Bill and across Lyme Bay, harnessing favourable nocturnal tides to continue their progress.
The completion of this demanding segment stands as a testament to the crew's enduring spirit, strategic decision-making, and unwavering commitment to the Rannoch Adventure GB Row 2025. This entire effort continues to underscore our dedication to raising awareness and funds for Children in Need, supporting their vital work across the UK.
Rannoch Adventure looks forward to sharing further updates as Roxy continues her remarkable journey around Great Britain.
We're buzzing with excitement as the GB Row 2025 adventure supporting Children in Need is almost here. Get ready to follow along as the incredible crews embark on the journey of a lifetime aboard Roxy 3. These dedicated teams have been training tirelessly, pushing their limits, and preparing for the ultimate challenge of rowing around Great Britain. Their hard work and determination are truly inspiring, and we look forward to seeing them conquer each leg of this monumental challenge.
We'll be bringing you regular updates right here on this blog, sharing all the highs, the challenges, and the breathtaking moments of their epic voyage.
Here's a quick recap of the incredible route they'll be undertaking:
So, buckle up and get ready to be inspired! We're thrilled to share every stroke of this extraordinary adventure with you.
