09 Dec 63-year-old woman rows Atlantic Ocean to break Guinness World Record
On 12 December 2019, Sara Brewer, aged 63, will embark on a 3,000 mile Atlantic crossing to become the oldest woman to row across any ocean. Sara is due to celebrate her 64th birthday mid-Atlantic on 12 January 2020.
Sara who lives in Wapping, London and her Leeds-based rowing partner Ann, aged 35, will take turns rowing 2 hours each, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to complete the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge in approximately 60-70 days.
Sara took up rowing only 6 years ago and was inspired to take on the Atlantic Challenge after reading the first few pages of ‘The Crossing’ by James Cracknell and Ben Fogle.
Sara and Ann met at the Poplar, Blackwall and District Rowing Club in 2013 and so far the duo have only rowed a marathon (from Boston to Lincoln), the Thames (from Lechlade to Poplar) and one sea row (around Hayling Island), as well as training off the coastal waters of Devon and Essex. The longest row they have ever done is still 2,850 miles short of the distance across the Atlantic.
Together these incredible women are raising funds for Alzheimer’s Society and Street League, both of which provide vital support in local communities where it is needed most. To date, they have already raised more than £31,000, with all funds going direct to the charities.
Sara Brewer said: “In life you reach certain states where you are comfortable with yourself and, at times like these, it’s good to take on an extra challenge and just see how far you can go. I don’t see age as a barrier, quite the opposite, I feel more empowered the older I get and more willing to learn new skills.”
“I am not ready to retire just yet. I am overwhelmed by the support we have received, and to know that our efforts will be helping others through our chosen charities.”
