The ALNAR crew is really beginning to take shape.
Across two winter training sessions, the team has already shown a level of resilience and commitment that bodes well for what lies ahead. Conditions were properly testing — one session dipped to -9°C as the crew slept onboard. Brutal, but useful. Cold has a way of revealing who’s prepared and who can adapt.
Thankfully, these are temperatures the crew won’t face on the North Atlantic. That said, this expedition will be very different from the classic mid-Atlantic row. On a more southerly route, it’s warm enough that shorts and a T-shirt are ideal, even at night. The High North Atlantic is another story entirely.
The northern route has been chosen for a very specific and important reason. Alex has the same blood volume as someone with arms and legs, but without extremities to help regulate temperature, he runs very hot. A mid-Atlantic crossing would be deeply uncomfortable for him; the cooler northern route is not just preferable, but essential.
Watching Alex move around the boat, manage his kit, and row his shifts is genuinely impressive. His efficiency, confidence, and adaptability onboard are remarkable — and quietly set the tone for the whole crew.
Winter training isn’t about comfort. It’s about learning, stress-testing systems, and understanding each other under pressure. On that front, the ALNAR team is already proving they’re exactly where they need to be.
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