Three pilots. One boat. 3,000 miles.
Rowing across the Atlantic for cancer charities.

The Coastal Commanders Atlantic Rowing Team 2026

We are the Coastal Commanders – a team of three commercial pilots rowing unsupported across the Atlantic in 2026. Fuelled by personal stories, professional grit and a commitment to the cancer community.

PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY:

SEE ALL OUR PARTNERS

SUPPORT OUR MISSION:

JOIN OUR MISSION

All proceeds support campaign costs and our two amazing cancer charities.

THE CHALLENGE

We are rowing 3000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean.

We want to break the current trio world record of 35 days.

JOIN OUR MISSION

We're on a mission to inspire and motivate people to lead active lives and overcome life’s challenges.

Help us raise £150,000 for our charity partners—donate now!

PARTNERS

We offer potential partners the opportunity to support our campaign and access to a huge global audience.

Become a part of our exciting journey.

FOLLOW.

Freedom at Plymouth Boat Fest 25!

What an incredible weekend having our ocean rowing boat, Freedom, on display at Plymouth Boat Fest! It was great to chat with local boat lovers about our 2026 Atlantic crossing - from 2-hour rowing shifts and freeze-dried meals to the tiny amount of sleep we’ll get… and yes, the toilet situation too! 🚽

We also loved meeting some of Plymouth’s brilliant marine companies, the innovation coming out of this city is seriously impressive. A highlight was watching the RNLI and autonomous vessel demos in action on the water 👏

Huge thanks to everyone who stopped by, donated, or simply shared some words of encouragement. You can still support us and help us fund the kit, equipment and nutrition we will need to be ready for the start line in 26 — and help raise vital funds for our partner cancer charities @moveagainstcancercharity and @younglivesvscancer 💙

#PlymouthBoatFest #AtlanticRow #OceanRowing #CoastalCommanders #RowForCharity

Highlights from our first solo trip on Freedom: Plymouth to Salcombe 🚣‍♂️

6 hours there, 4.5 hours back.
Windy, rough and choppy on the way out 🤢
Smooth and fast coming home 😎

Treated ourselves to a burger and a shower in Salcombe before sleeping on the boat on the mooring. Got to break ourselves in gently to this ocean rowing malarkey! 🌊

Dive scores from our stunning morning swim in Salcombe Harbour last week: Martin 5/10 (decent commitment), Jon 2/10 (for a self-proclaimed swimmer?!) and Scott smashing it with a solid 9/10. Crystal-clear water, epic anchorage, a few jelly fish and some questionable diving technique.

Agree with those scores?

#CoastalCommanders #RowPrep #DivingDisasters

We rowed out to anchor at Cawsand Bay the night before our big day out to Salcombe earlier this week.

Flat water, quiet evening and a beautiful sunset to go with it. 🌅

#OceanRowTraining #CawsandBay #PlymouthSound #CoastalCommanders

La Gomera fly-by! 🛩️

Looking forward to experiencing this incredible island from sea level next year. Hoping to swing by in December too, to visit the 2025 fleet before they set off across the Atlantic. 🌊💪

#AtlanticRow #canaries

DOUBLE OAR SPONSOR - PENNON GROUP PLC

The team proudly holding our Pennon Group oar.

We’re thrilled to have the Pennon Group (@southwestwater) on board for our Atlantic row. Their support is helping power this journey and it’s great to be aligned with a company that shares our values around sustainability, resilience, and doing things that matter.

📸 @dvpuk

OAR SPONSOR - IPA Independent Pilots Association

@jon.reilly getting our Independent Pilots Association oar ready for its first outing.

Massive thanks to the IPA for backing our row and helping to spread the word throughout the pilot community. It means a lot to have the support of our fellow aviators as we prepare to take on the Atlantic.

📸 @dvpuk

Unboxing adventure-ready gear from @kyloeinthewild!

A big thank you to Kyloe in the Wild for kitting us out with their Hero Nebula sunglasses and Primal water-repellent hats - the perfect combo for our Atlantic Rowing campaign. We’ve already been putting the sunnies through their paces on the water: incredible clarity, non-slip frames and made from recycled plastic - supporting our sustainable mission.

Another standout company backing our campaign - we’re truly grateful for the support.

More shots of our fresh kit coming soon!

OAR SPONSOR - LITHGOW PERKINS LLP
Here’s our first official photograph from @dvpuk — featuring our Lithgow Perkins oar in all its glory. (Jon took the second one!)

A massive thank you to our go to chartered accountants Lithgow Perkins, not only are they sponsoring our campaign, but they’ve also been a huge help behind the scenes. From getting our finances in order to assisting with some of the campaign admin, they’ve gone above and beyond to support the mission.

Behind the scenes with @dvpuk, capturing headshots for the campaign — with @duncroy1 stepping in as glamorous assistant for the day.

Full photo reveal landing soon.

#AtlanticRow #CoastalCommanders

The finishing touches being applied to our sponsored oars.

Fresh from the team at @signsexpressplymouth , these custom blades proudly carry the names of our first campaign sponsors - the organisations powering our Atlantic crossing and helping us give back to the cancer community.

You may have already seen them out on the water, but the full reveal is coming soon, with professional photography by @dvpuk capturing the detail and meaning behind these epic blades.

PAIR OF OARS SPONSOR
Pennon Group (@southwestwater)

OAR SPONSORS
Lithgow Perkins LLP
IPA - Independent Pilots Association

Soaked but smiling after a brilliant day on Plymouth Hoe, sharing our 2026 Atlantic rowing adventure with runners and supporters at the Plymouth Running Festival. Huge respect to everyone who powered through the rain this morning to cross that finish line!

Missed us today? Head to the link in our bio to find out more about our mission and how you can support the row.

#atlanticrow #adventure #plymouth #running

PAIR OF OARS SPONSOR
Pennon Group

OAR SPONSORS
Lithgow Perkins LLP
IPA - Independent Pilots Association

Blasting around the Eddystone Lighthouse on Day 2 of our @duncroy1 training camp in Plymouth. Just over 10 hours, a solid first trip for FREEDOM and the team.

PAIR OF OARS SPONSOR
Pennon Group

OAR SPONSORS
Lithgow Perkins LLP
IPA - Independent Pilots Association

FREEDOM is on the water!
Time to kick off our training camp with ocean rowing coach Duncan Roy as he takes us through our drills as part of The Ocean Rowing Academy programme.

#oceanrowingboat #atlantic #worldstoughestrow

PAIR OF OARS SPONSOR
Pennon Group (@southwestwater)

OAR SPONSORS
Lithgow Perkins LLP
IPA - Independent Pilots Association

Big day at Coastal Commanders HQ! Freedom now proudly sports her first set of team graphics thanks to the brilliant team at @signsexpressplymouth. She’s almost ready to hit the water for our first training camp with @duncroy1 💪

Behind the scenes at @signsexpressplymouth as Freedom gets her first set of team graphics! Huge thanks to Simon and Sam for their skill and precision, she’s looking the part now. Big moment for the campaign!

PAIR OF OARS SPONSOR ANNOUNCEMENT – Pennon Group PLC

We’re proud to announce Pennon Group have sponsored a pair of our ocean rowing oars, helping to power us 3,000 miles across the Atlantic in support of Young Lives vs Cancer and Move Against Cancer.

Through their WaterFit programme, Pennon is investing in cleaner, healthier seas, making them a perfect partner for our ocean challenge.

Thank you for supporting the journey.

#CoastalCommanders #AtlanticCampaign #OceanRowing #PennonGroup #WaterFit

PAIR OF OARS SPONSOR
Pennon Group

First time on an eFoil for @jon.reilly and his surfing buddy Alan… not quite pros, but definitely hooked.

Massive thanks to @efoilcornwall for an epic session (with plenty of epic falls) and for donating an awesome prize to our charity raffle in support of our cancer charities.

The raffle’s not launching ‘til spring 2026 - but this prize is seriously one to watch.

#efoil #cornwall #newskill #wipeout #watersports

🌱 We’re pleased to announce that we’ve started offsetting all unavoidable carbon linked to our campaign – with the help of the brilliant team at @forestcarbon_uk .

First up: our recent trip from Plymouth to Rannoch HQ and back (towing Freedom home on the return leg!). We’ve offset 1 tonne of CO₂ by planting native trees – more than enough to cover the van emissions for that journey (approximately 0.18 tonnes of CO₂)

Given how much we pump out in the day job, offsetting feels like the very least we can do. We’re committed to treading as lightly as we can while preparing for the World’s Toughest Row.

#CoastalCommanders #WorldsToughestRow #CarbonOffset #CarbonForest

It’s Earth Day 2025 - what action will you take?

We’ve recently shared our pledge to make our ocean rowing campaign as sustainable as possible. From kit choices to travel, we’re doing what we can to reduce our impact. You can check out what we’re doing via the link in our bio.

Now it’s your turn - make a pledge for the planet. Need inspiration? Here are a few ideas:

•Cycle, walk or take public transport instead of driving
•Try a meat-free day once a week
•Carry a reusable bottle or coffee cup
•Buy second-hand or swap clothes with friends
•Donate clothes to local charities

Small changes, big impact. Let us know your Earth Day pledge in the comments.

Back to work for @jon.reilly this week after a very leisurely winter of rowing admin, gym sessions, and hours on the erg.
Let’s see if he remembers what all these buttons do… 🫣

#PilotLife #OceanRowPrep #CoastalCommanders #backtothedayjob #737

Sustainability: A Commitment to Responsible Adventure

True adventure shouldn’t come at the planet’s expense. As pilots, we understand the environmental impact of travel - for this expedition, we’re taking personal responsibility.

This is a solar-powered, low-waste, purpose-driven crossing. Every decision has been made with sustainability in mind:
– Solar energy powers all systems onboard
– Equipment reused or sold post-row to support our cancer charities
– All unavoidable emissions offset through certified UK woodland creation

We’re not claiming perfection but we are committed to action.

To take our sustainability further, we’re looking to team up with companies who share our values and can help us with:

– Recycled or low-impact products
– Responsibly sourced food and packaging
– Zero single-use plastics
– Onboard waste management solutions

If you can help — we’d love to hear from you.

From planning to the finish line, this is a sustainable campaign through and through.

#SustainableAdventure #CoastalCommanders #OceanRow2025 #ClimateAction #PurposeDrivenJourney #sponsorshipopportunity

Two Commanders, One Plane!

Today in Malaga (AGP), @s_dingle59 and @meadster49 crossed paths mid-roster for a brief aircraft handover and a rare Coastal Commanders catch-up while down route ☀️

#CoastalCommanders
#PilotLife
#AtlanticRow2026
#FromSkyToSea

Tested on the race course - now it’s time to test it on the ocean:

Big thanks to @precisionfandh for sending over a few essentials ahead of our first training camp with @duncroy1 in a couple of weeks.

Hydration’s going to be key out on the ocean, so we’re getting it dialled in early during long sessions on the boat.

@jon.reilly has trusted Precision Fuel and Hydration for years in the triathlon world—now it’s time to up @s_dingle59 and @meadster49 fuel and hydration game with the best in the business. Let’s see how it holds up at sea!

#PrecisionFuel #OceanRowing #HydrationMatters #AtlanticPrep #CoastalCommanders #FuelledByScience

Wish we had one of these on Freedom… 😂

In reality, we’re working hard to make our ocean adventure as sustainable as possible. The boat will run on human power and solar energy — but we know there’s more we can do.

We’re looking to partner with brands that can help us push the boundaries of responsible adventure. If that’s you, we’d love to hear from you.

#SustainableAdventure #OceanRow2026 #CoastalCommanders
#737
#aviation

Great to see our article in the @jepnews in the flesh! Spread the word - the Coastal Commanders are in the news!

#coastalcommanders #oceanrow #inthenews

Another solid session in the bag for @jon.reilly at @snapfitnesstruro, building the strength and resilience needed to row across the Atlantic in 2026.

Follow @coastalcommanders to track our journey to the start line - if you’d like to support our campaign, get in touch or check out the link in our bio.

#OceanRow #Atlantic2026 #SnapFitness #CoastalCommanders #trainwithpurpose

FREEDOM HAS LANDED
After months of planning, the boat that will carry us across the Atlantic is finally here.
Welcome home, Freedom.
We can’t wait to get you on the water.

OAR SPONSORS
Lithgow Perkins LLP
IPA - Independent Pilots Association

Follow the journey.
#AtlanticRow #FreedomHasLanded #CoastalCommanders #OceanRow2026

Hooked on these 2024 highlights — surreal to think this will be us in 2026.

Can’t wait to get out there.

#WorldsToughestRow #CoastalCommanders #Atlantic2026

Test week - complete ✅ We’ve all wrapped up our first testing week after 12 weeks of consistent graft with @ocean_ready_ - the results are in: big gains across the board, both in the gym and on the erg 💪

Just goes to show what some low-dose consistency can do.

Special shout to @jon.reilly, who actively avoided the rowing machine right up until our first testing week… when he smashed out a 60-minute test - the longest row of his life at the time. Safe to say, things have changed 📈

Bring on the next block.

OAR SPONSORS
Lithgow Perkins LLP
IPA - Independent Pilots Association

Keeping consistent in prep for the @worlds.toughest.row 2026. Sun’s out, erg’s out! 🌞🚣‍♂️ #RowingJourney #FridayFeeling #vitamind #ﬁtness #erg #goodruk #scott #concept2 #garmin

OAR SPONSOR ANNOUNCEMENT - IPA Independent Pilots Association.

We’re delighted to announce that the Independent Pilots Association (IPA) is an official oar sponsor for our World’s Toughest Row campaign!

For over 30 years, the IPA has been dedicated to supporting pilots across the UK, offering expert legal representation, contract reviews, and independent advice. Their commitment to protecting and empowering pilots makes them the perfect partner for our challenge.

As a team of airline pilots, having the backing of a union that truly understands our profession is invaluable. With the IPA’s support, we’re ready to take on the Atlantic, knowing that both in the cockpit and on the ocean, we have a strong team behind us.

Thank you, Independent Pilots Association, for being part of our journey! 🚣‍♂️✈️

#TheCoastalCommanders #WorldsToughestRow #IndependentPilotsAssociation #StrongerTogether

Testicular Cancer Awareness Month

In 2019, I was diagnosed with stage 2 testicular cancer. Nine weeks of chemo, a tough fight - but I made a full recovery and got back to my life of sport and adventure.

The key? Early detection.

Checking yourself takes just a few seconds. A lump, swelling, or any changes? Get it checked. It could save your life.

I’m rowing an ocean to prove that life doesn’t stop after cancer. But first, let’s start with something simple - check yourself today.

Tag a mate. Share this. Awareness saves lives.

#CheckYourBalls #TesticularCancerAwareness #CoastalCommanders

April is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month!

In 2019, @jon.reilly was diagnosed with stage 2 testicular cancer. Thanks to early detection and treatment, he made a full recovery - and just months later, he was back competing in triathlons. Now, he’s preparing to row across the Atlantic to raise awareness and support for cancer charities.

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer affecting men aged 15-49 in the UK, but with early detection, it’s one of the most curable. A simple 2-minute self-check could make all the difference.

Recently, @chrisstark spoke openly about how he ignored symptoms and felt stupid for not getting checked sooner. He’s not alone - too many men put it off. But checking yourself is quick, easy, and could save your life.

A huge thanks to @oddballsfdn for their incredible work in raising awareness and encouraging more men to #CheckYourBalls. Let’s break the stigma, start conversations, and make self-checks a habit.

#TesticularCancerAwarenessMonth #coastalcommanders

@jon.reilly finally made it to a 5KYW parkrun last month—here are his thoughts:

“Shame to be missing it today as I’ll be working—flying to Tenerife ☀️.

It was fantastic to be out under clear blue skies in the beautiful Trelissick grounds. There’s something about heading to a parkrun - walking or running alongside others - that’s a great way to reset and clear your head, whether that’s to deal with the challenges of everyday life or something bigger. 5K Your Way takes this one step further, creating a welcoming space for those living with and beyond cancer to get active, connect, and find strength in movement.

Meeting the Trelissick 5KYW group really reinforced why we’re taking on this challenge for two such meaningful charities. I spoke to a couple who had relied on the Young Lives vs Cancer ‘Home from Home’ scheme while making the heartbreaking journey from Truro to Bristol for their late 17-year-old daughter’s treatment. I also met those who had never exercised before cancer but, after diagnosis, found the motivation to get moving - one guy had even gone on to complete ultra marathons!

We love what @moveagainstcancercharity and @younglivesvscancer do and can’t wait to be more involved throughout our campaign and beyond. Hearing these stories was a powerful reminder of why we’re pushing ourselves to row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic - to support these incredible charities and help more people through their toughest challenges.”

#CoastalCommanders #5KYourWay #MoveAgainstCancer #YoungLivesVsCancer #WorldsToughestRow #RowForACause

📢 Hot off the press! Coastal Commanders are in the news.

Big thanks to @plymouth.live , @jepnews , and @worcesternews for sharing our story as we prepare for the World’s Toughest Row 2026.

Every feature helps us raise awareness and support for our cancer charities whilst we prepare to take on this incredible challenge.

Swipe through to read the latest articles ➡️

#CoastalCommanders #WorldsToughestRow #InTheNews #RowForACause #OceanRowing

New blog out now, courtesy of @tritrainingharder!

I dive into my latest challenge - rowing 3,000 miles unsupported across the Atlantic Ocean in 2026 with two pilot colleagues.

Read the article to find out why we’re taking on this challenge and how we’re preparing for such an epic journey while making a lasting impact.

Link in bio ☝️

A big thank you!

We’ve received our first 10 meals for our Feed a Rower scheme. Every meal fuels our training as we prepare for the ultimate challenge—rowing across the ocean in 2026.

But we’ve got a long way to go. This summer alone, we’ll need 72 meals to power our offshore training in Plymouth.

Want to help fuel our journey? £10 = 1 meal.

Click the link in our bio to donate.

A huge thanks to our meal providers so far:
Liz Hart
Danielle Bird
Oliver Miller
Michelle Roberts
Monique Clark
@josh_holby_knight

#FeedARower #ThankYou #RowingChallenge

FLIGHT LEVEL CLUB - NEW MEMBERS

Welcome aboard! ✈️

A huge thank you to our newest Flight Level Club members for signing up to our exclusive club.

We’d love to see more people join and enjoy the benefits - check out the link in our bio for all the details!

Flight Level 100 Members:
@hugorichardson1981
Tom Matthews
Phil Gilbert
@jameshawks626
@givewheel

#FlightLevelClub

BOAT UPDATE

Freedom is back at @rannochadventure HQ after an incredible crossing in the 2024 race with the @atlanticexploarers.

She’s now getting a full service and some key upgrades to make her even more efficient for our challenge ahead. In just a few weeks, she’ll be in our hands, and we can’t wait to start putting her through her paces.

The next chapter is about to begin.

📸 @worlds.toughest.row

#CoastalCommanders #FreedomReturns #AtlanticRow

Finishing off the session with an @ocean_ready_ core workout at its finest! Getting used to these now—bring on plenty more!

#OceanRowing #CoreStrength #TrainingForTheAtlantic

SPONSORSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT

We’re thrilled to welcome Lithgow Perkins LLP aboard as an Oar Sponsor for our World’s Toughest Row campaign!

Based in Harrogate, Lithgow Perkins is an independent firm of Chartered Accountants with over 50 years of experience in taxation, accounting, and business advisory. Just like us, they know that success comes from dedication, strategy, and resilience—whether that’s navigating financial waters or rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic!

With their support, we’re one step closer to making this challenge a reality, raising funds for Young Lives vs Cancer and MOVE Against Cancer.

Check them out at lithgow-perkins.co.uk and join us on this journey!

#WorldsToughestRow #LithgowPerkins #OarSponsor #CharteredAccountants

Jon reminiscing on running the whole South West Coast Path this time last year. Short pre-surf pootle this morning—looking great in this epic weather.

🏆 100M ROWING CHALLENGE RESULTS!

📍 STN Airport | 18th February 2025

What an epic showdown on the rowers!

We had over 40 people step up to our 100m rowing challenge over the course of the day – with our first competitors getting on at 4:30 AM! Now that’s how you warm up before a flight!

Huge congratulations to our winners and runners-up in each category:

🏅 Male Under 40
🥇 @tomcaseyfitness - 15.3s
🥈 @ben_harfield - 15.5s

🏅 Male Over 40
🥇 Seb Honey - 17.5s
🥈 Mark Wilkinson - 18.9s

🏅 Female Under 40
🥇 Maddy Mead - 23.0s
🥈 Evie Russell - 23.8s

🏅 Female Over 40
🥇 Hilda - 25.2s
🥈 Nadine Thomson - 25.6s

A massive thank you to everyone who got involved and made this challenge such a success!

Stay tuned for more competitions coming soon!

#RowToVictory #CoastalCommanders #100mChallenge #RowingCompetition #AirportWorkout #EarlyMorningGrind #jetsetandsweat

Passengers and staff at @stn_airport took on our 100m sprint rowing challenge—kids, pensioners, and everyone in between! Huge thanks to all who took part.

Results and prizes will be posted today!

Missed out?

You can still donate to our crowdfunding campaign—link in bio!

#RowForACause #CoastalCommanders

Rowing, fundraising, and sharing our mission at @stn_airport! Huge thanks to everyone who stopped by, had a chat, and supported our challenge.

If you missed us, don’t forget you can still donate—link in bio.

Let’s keep the momentum going!

#CoastalCommanders

What a day at Stansted Airport!

Last week, we launched our first Coastal Commanders campaign fundraiser, rowing non-stop from 4 AM to 8 PM at @stn_airport!

By 4:30 AM, travelers were already stepping up to take on our 100m sprint row challenge, bringing amazing energy and enthusiasm.

A huge thank you to @signsexpressplymouth for our standout banners and to everyone who stopped by, donated, and got involved. Your support means everything!

Between us, we covered nearly 200km in one-hour shifts, pushing our limits just like we will on the Atlantic. We also trialed our freeze-dried meals from @dineoutmeals —verdict? Chicken Tikka was a winner!

From early-morning passengers to airport staff jumping in to have a go, the support was incredible. We loved hearing your stories, sharing our mission, and raising vital funds for our campaign.

A massive THANK YOU to everyone who donated and backed our adventure. Your generosity is helping us take on this challenge, and remember—all proceeds post-row go to our chosen charities through the sale of our kit and equipment.

Missed us at Stansted? No worries—you can still get involved! Donation link in bio.

Stay tuned—we’ll be revealing the results of our 100m rowing challenge soon! 🚣‍♂️

Check out our full blog on the fundraiser—link in bio too!

#CoastalCommanders #StanstedFundraiser #RowingChallenge #Fundraising #CharityRowing

Soaking in the views over Norway—snow-capped peaks, fjords, and endless horizons. Epic!

#flying #aviation #pilot #pilotlife

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COASTAL COMMANDERS

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Three pilots. One boat. 3,000 miles. Rowing across the Atlantic for cancer charities.

THE CHALLENGE

JOIN OUR MISSION

PARTNERS

FOLLOW.

​

COASTAL COMMANDERS

KEEP TRACK.

FOLLOW OUR OCEAN ADVENTURE:

Three pilots. One boat. 3,000 miles.
Rowing across the Atlantic for cancer charities.