Devon's Ali flying high as rowing crew set new world record

The final crew in the World’s Toughest Row – Pacific 2023, has arrived in Hanalei, Kaua’I, Hawaii, having left Monterey, California, on June 12.

That crew made up of five rowers was the Flyin’ Fish with Andy Warner, Elaine Theaker, Alison Wannell from Dartmoor, Neil Blackeby from Cornwall, and Huw Carden finishing in a time of 51 days, 5 hours and 44 minutes, a new World Record for Fastest Five to Row the Mid-Pacific Ocean.

They have not only rowed to a new World Record but Huw, 63, is now the oldest person to ever row the Pacific. The crew of five have inspired everyone, showing that it is not just the destination but the journey that holds the most importance. As they approached Hawaii they were accompanied by a pod dolphins who swam alongside them. On finishing Huw said: “When you’re out there it’s the purity of rowing. If you haven’t done it, you can’t experience it, it’s just a different world and it’s a world of wonder."
Amidst the challenges that peppered their journey, the crew encountered an initial setback with their rudder during the first week. They successfully managed to replace their rudder, showcasing their resourcefulness and resolve, allowing them to push onward. Their expedition was a true test of their endurance, fuelled by unwavering determination as they rowed on through the mental and physical exhaustion that this challenge asks.
Beyond the accomplishment of setting a new world record, this team's journey holds a higher purpose. Their efforts were dedicated to raising funds for good causes, Cornwall Air Ambulance, Devon Air Ambulance, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, Wales Air Ambulance and the Armed Forces charity SSAFA.
With all crews now safely ashore it’s time to look back on the first ever World’s Toughest Row - Pacific. Ian Couch, Head Safety Officer, who lives in Stoke Gabriel, reflected on the journey: “We have seen that the Atlantic and Pacific are two very different experiences with their own challenges. The greatest pleasure of this job is not the destinations but seeing crews grow from the sign up, through training and inspections, the conversations at sea to stepping on shore. The whole thing is a journey. Not all rowers truly get it but those that do are changed for ever. This is brutally beautiful, honest and exposed. The greatest of challenges. It is not a fitness endurance event, it is you distilled. You are your actions not your words. That is the power of this event."
The five friends who made up the Flyin Fish crew rowed 2,800 miles across the Pacific Ocean and tackled severe weather and harsh conditions.
Ali Wannell, who works for Devon Air Ambulance, and her rowing buddies are hoping to raise £20,000.
Ali said before the marathon challenge: "When I arrived in Antigua after rowing the Atlantic, I was asked if I would ever do it again, and I said No! - I think most people do! However, it’s the kind of challenge that plays on your mind and I had an offer I couldn’t refuse, plus, with the people I’d met and become good friends with as part of the ocean rowing community, here I am."

The crew carried out the majority of their training off the South Devon coast, rowing out of Plymouth and Teignmouth.

Race results:
Kiwi Fondue - Overall Winners - world record - Fastest Team to Row the Mid-Pacific Ocean - 29 days, 17 hours, & 29 minutes
Ocean Warrior - 31 days, 17 hours & 12 minutes
Pacific Discovery - world record - Fastest Mixed Four to Row the Mid-Pacific Ocean - 34 days, 8 hours & 22 minutes
Pacific One - 35 days, 2 hours & 16 minutes
Ohana - 36 days, 3 hours & 49 minutes
HODL - Fastest Trio to Row the Mid-Pacific Ocean - 38 days, 16 hours & 19 minutes
Brothers N’ Oars - 39 days, 4 hours & 28 minutes
Row Aurora - Women’s Class Winners - World Record - Fastest Female Trio to Row the Mid-Pacific Ocean - 40 days, 4 hours & 52 minutes
Team Antigua Island Girls - 41 days, 7 hours & 5 minutes
Ocean’s 4 - 43 days, 5 hours & 2 minutes
Pacific Floaters - 43 days, 5 hours & 34 minutes
Aloha Kai - 45 days, 6 hours & 17 minutes
Flyin’ Fish - world record - Fastest Five to Row the Mid-Pacific Ocean - 51 days, 5 hours & 44 minutes
Row4ALS, who retired, safely made it back to the shores of California following their decision to terminate their row.