Training Week - Oban, Scotland, August 2023

We were so excited to finally meet our Roxy Atlantic 2023-24 crew in person for the first time. Their training location was Oban - a week of team bonding and rowing training under the guidance of skipper Lasse Hansen and co skipper Trine Hansen.

The first day comprised a comprehensive briefing followed by a short familiarisation row to get everyone comfortable with the boat, before longer, overnight rows this week. Great to see so many smiles on faces!

After a cosy first night in the Roxy yurt, our Atlantic crew set off for a long day row in strong headwinds up the Sound of Mull. They coped well with the tough conditions and saw plenty of dolphins and seals amidst rain showers interspersed with sunny spells.

On Wednesday they headed off on a 28 hour overnight row right up to the most northerly point of Mull. The weather was superb and rowing conditions ideal all day long.

As they passed the colourful town of Tobermory in the late afternoon, the team were led by Alex in a loud rendition of "What's the story in Balamory ..." evoking fond childhood memories of the famous TV show.

The overnight element of this row was particularly special. The blue moon appeared and lit up the skies - simply stunning.

On Thursday, the crew rowed back down the Sound of Mull and skipper Lasse rewarded them with a stop off at Oban Marina for fish and chips on the pontoon. Smiles all round!

A final short row back to Dunstaffnage Marina and everyone disembarked ready for a hot shower. Lasse and Eddie dived off the pontoon for a refreshing dip before a good night's sleep for all.

After a final night in the yurt, chatting about their physical and mental approaches to their Atlantic crossing, the crew jumped onboard for their final Scottish outing in Roxy. Man overboard drills were practised and rowing technique was a strong focus for the session. Conditions on the water were utterly perfectly for their last training day.

After a final debrief from skipper Lasse, a hugely positive team said fond farewells to each other. We're thoroughly looking forward to seeing you all in Tenerife in just 3 months time.