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Hello,
We're Team Ithaca.
An all female crew planning to embark upon the World’s Toughest Row in June 2023 – A 2,000 mile circumnavigation of Great Britain as part of the GB Row Challenge.
We’ll be rowing continuously and unsupported and, if successful, we’ll be the first team of six, male or female, to have completed the feat. Contending with fast-turning tides, unpredictable UK weather, a rocky coastline and busy shipping areas, this is a greater test of endurance, strength and skill than trans-ocean rowing.
In a bid to increase momentum in the fight against plastic pollution and through partnership with the University of Portsmouth, our boat has been specially modified to collect data on microplastics, sound pollution, salinity, temperature and even traces of marine biology through DNA samples. The data will be used to assess the environmental damage and long term impact of pollutants in our seas and oceans, contributing to the largest dataset of its kind for UK seas.
Our team is passionate about helping people who have had a cancer diagnosis which is why our chosen charity is CanRehab Trust.
Testimonials
Conducting Vital Ocean Conservation Research
Throughout our race, we'll be partnered with the University of Portsmouth, collecting vital environmental samples and data for their research into: marine biodiversity via eDNA sampling; microplastics in our waters; airborne microplastics; water temperature; salinity; ocean noise and pollution.
The correlation between these data sets will allow for trends to be assessed over time. This will be the first time this has been done effectively in UK waters.
"There is currently no complete map for UK concentrations of microplastics in the coastal waters. Data collected during the GB Row Challenge will significantly improve out understanding of the changing numbers of microplastics in our waters."
Dr Fay Couceiro - Lead Scientist
University of Portsmouth
