UAE trio embarks on historic Arctic Ocean rowing challenge
Raising awareness on ocean conservation and plastic pollution
Three intrepid UAE residents have set sail on an unprecedented rowing expedition across the Arctic Ocean. Toby Gregory, Orlagh Dempsey, and Andy Savill have teamed up for The Arctic Challenge, a 1,500km journey from Tromso to Svalbard, Norway.
Having begun their journey in their vessel, Ocean Guardian, on August 1, 2024, the team is striving to become the first unassisted and unsupported trio to complete this formidable route. It is expected to take 20 to 25 days of continuous rowing through some of the planet’s harshest cold temperatures and conditions.
The expedition highlights critical global issues, including ocean conservation and plastic pollution.
The Arctic Challenge aims to achieve several historic milestones, inspire a global audience, and advance scientific understanding. In the run-up to the expedition, the team engaged with over 60 schools and reached 200,000 students in the UAE. By November’s end, the team plans to connect with one million students worldwide in time for the UAE National Day celebrations on December 2, 2024.
UNEP collaboration
During their journey, the team collaborates with the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) ‘Clean Seas’ initiative, conducting environmental experiments to support sustainable practices.
Founded by Toby Gregory, The Arctic Challenge builds on his previous success—the 2022 Atlantic Ocean row—which raised awareness for ocean protection in partnership with UNEP.
“This expedition represents the pinnacle of human endurance and determination, but it’s also a vital call to action for environmental protection,” said Gregory.
“The Arctic Challenge combines a historic first with our mission to combat plastic pollution and advance scientific knowledge. We hope to inspire global action and make a lasting impact through our UNEP partnership and extensive educational outreach.”
Orlagh Dempsey, the first woman to undertake this demanding route, is breaking new ground and setting a powerful example for women in extreme sports and environmental advocacy. Her participation not only highlights her dedication but also champions gender equality.
Dempsey stated: “Being the first woman to row this route is a dream come true and a milestone for gender equality. This journey demonstrates that greatness is not defined by gender and encourages young women to pursue their ambitions. I am honoured to contribute to sustainability and environmental advocacy while making history in extreme sports.”
The trio aims to set five Guinness World Records during their expedition, including the northernmost latitude on land reached by a rowing vessel in the Arctic Ocean open waters, first trio to row the Arctic Ocean open waters from south to north, northernmost latitude from which a rowing vessel started a north-to-south row in the Arctic Ocean open waters, youngest average age for a team rowing the Arctic Ocean open waters from south to north, and first three-person team in history to row the Arctic Ocean.
Additionally, there is potential for new records for the first female rower and the first mixed team to row the Arctic Ocean.
The Arctic Challenge is an endurance feat and a compelling call to action for environmental stewardship and gender equality.
Featured image: The trio pictured in their vessel named Ocean Guardian. Credit: Toby Gregory
