Four Perth women are preparing to row 4800 km across the Atlantic Ocean in The World’s Toughest Row, a self-supported journey lasting 45 days. They will depart in December from San Sebastian De La Gomera in Spain and finish at Nelsons Dockyard, Antigua, aiming to become one of the first female Australian teams of four to complete the challenge.
The team includes occupational therapist Chelsea Tanner, search and rescue crewperson Micah Manger, retrieval nurse Cassie Gaff, and school teacher Laura Lilly. They have set a fundraising goal of $250,000 to support Ruah Community Services, which helps West Australians escape trauma and life crisis, and the Royal Flying Doctors Service of Western Australia, which provides emergency medical transport for rural patients.
Originally conceived as an “ultimate girls trip”, the challenge has become a major fundraising effort. The women have already raised over $171,000 through support from Big Yellow Mining, Australian Indigenous Group, SEA Global, and ERGT. They hope to double their donations before the row ends and plan to sell their boat, Saltie, afterward, with profits going to their charities.
The team faces numerous challenges, including rowing in two-hour shifts, avoiding marlin strikes, and managing rogue waves. They have undergone personality testing to optimize pairings and decision-making. Donations and sponsorship inquiries can be made via their website bladesofoary.com.
