A team from the Royal Engineers has achieved a remarkable victory, securing first place in the World’s Toughest Row after more than five arduous weeks battling the open ocean.
After rowing a staggering 2800 miles from Monterey, California, the team of four serving engineers representing the UK were the first to arrive in the beautiful scenery of Hanalei Bay, Kaua’i.
The victorious Brits completed their journey in 36 days, 6 hours, and 49 minutes.
The Salty Sappers shared their extraordinary adventure on social media, describing the final stretch of their challenge as “incredibly intense with terrible weather conditions and plenty of tough times.” However, their relentless pursuit of excellence has ultimately been rewarded with a spectacular win.
The British Army team completed the challenge in an impressive 36 days, six hours, and 49 minutes, finishing more than a day ahead of their closest rivals, another British team named Wild Waves, who completed the journey in 37 days, 11 hours, and 43 minutes.
A big crowd, including family, gathered at the famous Hanalei Pier to witness Major Adam Siggs, Captain Joshua Warne, Lance Corporal Richard Wilkinson and Corporal Adam Sedgwick light up their flares, marking the official finish of their epic Pacific journey that tested them to their physical and mental limits.
Stepping onto the podium, the team received a traditional blessing and were adorned with leis. They were then presented with the World’s Toughest Row winning trophy, celebrating their remarkable victory.
When asked about the biggest challenges out there, Adam Sedgwick answered: “Probably the two storms that we tackled on our way down. We tackled the first one and decided we would go for a second one just for a bit of fun! That was definitely the hardest thing – to go through that second one. It basically made it very real for me that we were tackling the ocean and not just a little lake.”
When asked about advice for future rowers as winners of WTR Pacific 2024, Joshua Warne said: “Don´t take no for an answer. People will tell you that it can’t be done and it’s on you to prove that it can.”
In addition to their social media updates, the Salty Sappers expressed their elation in an official winning video, stating they remain “in absolute awe” of their accomplishment and anticipate “living off this high for months to come.”
The victorious crew are now enjoying some well-deserved rest. “We now enjoy some time on dry land and will be back with you all after a good night’s sleep!” they posted. “Thank you so much to all of our supporters and sponsors and we hope we’ve made you all incredibly proud!”
Their triumph contributes to a British military double victory in the World’s Toughest Row. Earlier in January, the Royal Navy team HMS Oardacious won the Atlantic leg of the race.
Furthermore, the Salty Sappers have been raising funds for the Royal Engineers Association, with a target of £25,000, and have already raised £4,500.
The team’s outstanding victory underscores the grit and determination of British military teams, solidifying their legacy in one of the world’s most challenging endurance events.
