The Submariners are back! HMS Oardacious is ready to GO AGAIN! With sights set on the Talisker Atlantic Challenge in December 2022, 2023, 2024 and beyond!
In January 2020, four serving Royal Navy Submariners became both the first ever Royal Navy team, and fastest serving military team in history to row an ocean, spending 37 days 6 hours and 40 minutes battling across the North Atlantic.
‘HMS Oardacious’ has grown from a mad concept into a successful submariner wellbeing initiative that has reached millions around the world. The rowers and wider team collaborated with fantastic organisations that add value to a unique defence community; they have helped inspire the next generation of sailors and adventurers in partnership with the Sea Cadets; they have championed Mental Health and Resilience through the pandemic and successfully fundraised over £110,000 in support of Mental Health and Wellbeing charity initiatives.
Submariner culture truly harmonises with the extreme environment of “the World’s Toughest Row”, whether it’s being experts of their environment and equipment, looking after crew mates, managing watch systems whilst battling sleep deprivation and coping with the emotions of leaving loved ones. Fortunately, the greatest strength of the Submariner is being able to maintain a sense of humour in some of the very worst conditions. Humour is a cornerstone to Submariner ethos, when the vessel you choose to call home for upwards of 3 months at a time is designed to sink, remaining positive and being able to laugh is essential. HMS Oardacious is back to showcase the professionalism and adaptability of Submariners; the teams’ bodies and minds will be tempered by the sheer vastness of the Ocean Surface; Neptune will again throw his fury upon the small Oardacious craft… and he will be met by Royal Navy Submariners, laughing back at him!
Charity
HMS Oardacious continues to collaborate with the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity in support of some fantastic initiatives; The Submarine Family, a new project with a focus on mental health and wellbeing support to both serving and retired submariners and their families, and the Submariner Memorial Appeal, which was set up to create a fitting tribute at the National Arboretum to submariners who have lost their lives, creating a place for personal reflection, repair and renewal in the face of tragedy.
Getting involved
The campaign is only just starting and there are many opportunities to get involved including sponsorship and charity support. To find out more about the team, the challenge, the charities or how to sponsor, please visit www.hmsoardacious.com , follow the campaign on social media @hmsoardacious or you can contact admin@hmsoardacious.com