The Crew
Grace Gilbert
Performance & Nutrition Lead
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Grace is the ultimate adventure seeker with a hunger for big challenges and pushing herself.
The row epitomises this for her.
With absolutely no rowing, boating or sailing experience and a preference for swimming in a clear chlorinated square rather than open water, this is going to be the adventure of a lifetime and quite far out her comfort zone.
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However, when the opportunity arose to join the crew, it was always going to be a yes from Grace. With a strong sporting and adventure CV including: Marathon des Sables (2019 & 2023), climbing Kilimanjaro, cycling John O'Groats to Lands End unsupported with just a mate for company, 5 half ironmans (and hopefully the world champs in August), 8 full ironmans including the World Champs in Kona in 2022, Team GB Age-Group team for middle and long distance triathlon and several other ultra-marathons, it seemed something mega had to come next to add to the list.
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The row is a step away from all things swim, bike, run but Grace truly believes you have to dream big to achieve more than you ever imagined possible. She is hoping to inspire others to dream big!
Maddie Difazio-Wright
Skipper & Technical Lead
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I've been trying to think of examples of when my enthusiasm and passion have been enough to achieve more than I thought was possible. A few things came to mind..
When I applied to do ski seasons, I was too excited to read the application properly and accidentally became a chef. (My repertoire is limited to 6 meals, on repeat.)
I wanted my first job so much that instead of playing hardball on salary, I happily offered to work for free for a week. (I got the job on the Tuesday, but still had to work the remaining 3.5 days unpaid.)
I learnt to tile my kitchen recently because I'd cheerfully spent the labour allocation on a deposit for this row. I am the technical lead, so hopefully I can use my skills to fix any electrics that might (hopefully they won't) break.
Passion and a sense of adventure seems to bring out the best in many people, it certainly seems to for me. I feel privileged to be in a position where this row is even remotely possible and my hope is that if we can achieve more than just crossing an ocean, whatever that may be, then that is a true adventurous accomplishment.
Grace Pybus - "G"
Navigation Lead
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From an early age I have always been one to adventure and love to explore. I've never really been one to follow the classic nine to five route but instead work out how I can do things I totally adore!
In 2017 I decided to take my love for all things ocean and put it into my future so I moved to the Isle Of White to get my Yachtmaster. I wanted to equip myself with as many qualifications to enable me to work around the world with all things boat related.
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Since then I have worked on every boat you can imagine, charter, sailboat, RIBS, super yachts, if it floats there a ninety nine percent chance I've worked on it. I am putting my experience and yacht skills to the test, and am Nav Lead.
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After submitting to Everest BC in 2019 I made a conscious decision to do something every few years that really challenged myself both physically and mentally, and this was where the Atlantic row was thought up.
This row will be like no other challenge I will do in my life time and I'm thrilled to be doing it with two epic women!