Solo North Atlantic Crossing

In May 2021 Ian Rivers will embark on a solo unsupported row across the North Atlantic from New York to the Isles of Scilly. Using only a sextant as the main form of navigation, this 3,100 nautical mile crossing will test human endurance, navigation and seamanship to the absolute limit. Nobody has yet completed an unsupported solo from New York.

The row is designed to raise money for the Special Air Service Regimental Association (SASRA) and St Michael’s Hospice in Hereford, whilst also raising awareness of the mental health challenges facing serving and veteran personnel. He has personally funded the £25,000 purchase of the Rossiter Ocean 2 boat to ensure the venture takes place.

St Michaels Hospice Logo
SAS Winged Dagger Logo

The Boat will be named: ‘Sentinel’ after the SASRA mental health programme. Ian is a SASRA Sentinel. By facing this monumental challenge, Ian wants to raise in excess of £500,000 for his two chosen charities.

Updates

About Ian

Ian Rivers’ time in the Special Forces fuelled his passion for pure navigation. He became a trained mountain guide and ocean yacht-master, traversing all the major mountain ranges, deserts and oceans of the world.

Having left the military in 2011, his skills were truly tested in 2013 when he was kidnapped in Syria. He successfully escaped, then navigated his way to safety using only natural indicators.

The Route

The original North Atlantic or classic route is for purists. It goes back to the first ever ocean crossings by Frank Samuelsen and George Harbo in 1896. In modern times, Ridgeway and Blyth made the voyage in 1966 and the first solo crossing was completed by Tom McClean in 1969.

What all these crossings have in common is the use of the sun and stars to navigate, and boats designed to be rowed, not propelled by prevailing winds.

Press & Sponsorship

Ian has a PR team with more than 20 years experience in radio, television, print and online / digital journalism to manage publicity before, during and after the challenge. The strategy is to generate mainstream coverage, encouraging the public and organisations to donate to the charities.

Ian is also seeking special sponsorship partners to support his Solo North Atlantic Row. Partners will have their logo displayed on the boat, and the coverage provided by the PR team will ensure a high profile for their company or project.

With his experiences as a special forces soldier, international risk manager, sailor, mountaineer, cyclist, swimmer, triathlete and, most recently, a volunteer assisting veterans, Ian can also offer his time as a speaker for sponsors at both private or public events.