ATLANTIC ROW 2026

COASTAL COMMANDERS

We are the Coastal Commanders - a team of three commercial airline captains competing in the World's Toughest Row 2026. We are swapping the flight deck for the boat deck and taking on this extreme challenge to prove that anything is possible.

SUPPORT OUR MISSION:

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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.

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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

Big day tomorrow! We’ll be at Stansted Airport fundraising for our @worlds.toughest.row and raising awareness for @younglivesvscancer and @moveagainstcancercharity .
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Looking forward to meeting everyone—come say hi, learn more about the challenge, and support two incredible charities! See you there.
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#CoastalCommanders #RowForCancer #YoungLivesvsCancer #MoveAgainstCancer #Fundraising #Stansted

Mont Blanc looking tempting on the way into Geneva… maybe another challenge for the Coastal Commanders one day?

#mountblanc #aviation #views #alps #challenge

That’s a wrap!

All 38 teams from the 2024 race are now safely back on dry land after setting off on December 11th. Huge congratulations to every crew—what an incredible achievement!

Bring on the 2026 race!

#CoastalCommanders #AtlanticRowing

📣 BIG NEWS! 🗞️
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We’re kicking off our first fundraiser, thanks to @stn_airport!
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Come down and support our mission - Three pilots. One ocean. 3,000 miles.
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We’re taking on the @worlds.toughest.row 2026, pushing our limits to cross the Atlantic and raising £150,000 for @younglivesvscancer and @moveagainstcancercharity
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Join us at London Stansted Airport on February 18th:
• Test yourself on the rowing machines
• Take on challenges and win prizes
• Every donation helps us reach the start line

📍 Landside by Security | 03:00 - 20:00

Meet the team, get involved, and be part of something big.

#CoastalCommanders #WorldsToughestRow #Rowing #Endurance #Fundraiser #pushyourlimits

Solid session with Martin, good to get an @ocean_ready_ workout in. Jon got the training memo… just not the Coastal Commanders t-shirt one. #AtlanticRow #OceanReady

🚣‍♂️ FEED A ROWER! 🍽️

Exciting news – the next stage of our crowdfunding campaign is LIVE! You can now help us buy our meals for the row!

We’re rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic, burning 6,000 calories a day, and we need 720 meals to keep us going for 40+ days of nonstop rowing.

* £10 feeds one rower for a meal
* £30 feeds the whole team
* Buy 3+ meals & get a personal thank-you gift!

We’ll be fuelled by @dineoutmeals, providing us with high-energy, freeze-dried meals designed to sustain us through the toughest conditions. Every meal will keep us rowing strong and lift our spirits—be part of the adventure!

Find the link in our bio or visit www.coastalcommanders.com to donate!

#CoastalCommanders #FeedARower #AtlanticRow #dineoutmeals

Today is World Cancer Day – a reminder that cancer affects millions of lives, but also that strength, resilience, and hope can prevail.

Our Atlantic row is about more than just crossing an ocean. We’re rowing for those impacted by cancer, inspired by our teammate Jon’s own journey from diagnosis to recovery. His story is proof that movement is powerful—not just for the body, but for the mind and spirit too.

That’s why we’re supporting @younglivesvscancer and @moveagainstcancercharity , two charities making a real difference in the fight against cancer. Every mile we take on on this row will be dedicated to those facing the toughest battles.

Join us in raising awareness, supporting those affected, and pushing for a world where no one has to fight cancer alone.

#WorldCancerDay #CoastalCommanders #MoveAgainstCancer #younglivesvscancer

Week 3 of the @erdinger.alkoholfrei.uk #5KYW Challenge - FANCY DRESS—getting the work done on the ergs, even in uniform 👨🏻‍✈️.

It’s not always about big efforts, just finding a way to keep moving.

Have you moved today?

#5kyw #getmoving #moveagainstcancer

Introducing the Flight Level Club

We’re aiming to raise £50,000 to purchase our boat, FREEDOM, this spring, and take a significant step toward our Atlantic Ocean row. Your support will not only help us achieve this goal but also contribute to raising vital funds for our cancer charities: @moveagainstcancercharity and @younglivesvscancer.
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By joining the Flight Level Club, you’ll receive exclusive Coastal Commanders merchandise as a token of our appreciation. See our website for details.
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Every donation, big or small, gets us closer to our goal and strengthens our commitment to making a difference.
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Visit our website and click DONATE to join today and help us make our journey a reality!
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www.coastalcommanders.com

Big news coming soon!

The next step in our Atlantic adventure is on the horizon, and we’ll need your help to make it a reality.

Our boat, FREEDOM, has just completed its Atlantic crossing and will soon be ours—stay tuned for all the details as we launch Coastal Commanders crowdfunding!

Our boat, FREEDOM, has just completed her first Atlantic crossing with team @atlanticexploarers in an impressive 41 days! Congratulations on an inspiring journey—we can’t wait to welcome FREEDOM back to the UK once she’s made her way home. Thank you for taking such great care of her out there!

Throwback to our first meet-up last year—Jon’s debut on the erg and our first attempt at rowing in sync.

Safe to say, the form needed some serious work!

Thankfully, we’re now working with the expert at @ocean_ready_ to get us shipshape.

Here’s to progress and leaving this very average technique behind! 💪

#OceanRowing #Teamwork #CoastalCommanders #RowingJourney

The 2024 race leaders, @teamrow4cancer , have less than 300nm to go and should reach land in just a few days. Our boat, FREEDOM, is holding strong and has climbed into 5th place under the power of @atlanticexploarers. It’s the final stretch now for the leading crews 💪

#OceanRowing #RowToWin #TeamFreedom #AtlanticChallenge #RowHard #Endurance #OceanAdventure #FinalPush

Week 1 of Training with Gus: Complete! 💪

We’ve just wrapped up our first week of training with the incredible @ocean_ready_ and it’s been intense!
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This week, we’ve focused on big compound movements like squats, deadlifts, and lunges to build strength and endurance. We’re also slowly increasing the time we spend on the rowing machines, preparing our bodies for the challenge ahead.
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It’s all about nailing the basics, staying consistent, and recovering smart. The road ahead is tough, but we’re ready to tackle it head-on.
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Bring on week 2!

#CoastalCommanders #AtlanticRow #TrainingWithGus #RowForACause #WorldsToughestRow #oceanrowing

5K Your Way Challenge: Week 1 Complete!

We are taking on the ERDINGER Alkoholfrei 5K Your Way Challenge, and we’re proud to support @moveagainstcancercharity through this amazing initiative. 💙
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This was week 1 of the challenge, and we decided to hit the rowing machine—because what better way to prepare for the Atlantic? But this challenge isn’t about speed; it’s about getting up, getting out, and getting moving.
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Every step, stroke, or pedal makes a difference, and we’re thrilled to contribute to Move Against Cancer’s mission of empowering people through movement.
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Why not join in and take on the challenge yourself? Together, we can make an impact, one 5K at a time.

#5KYourWay #ErdingerAlkoholfrei #MoveAgainstCancer #KeepMoving #WorldsToughestRow #AtlanticCampaigns #OceanRowing #rowforacause

🌊 Meet Martin: Our Expedition Specialist! 🚣‍♂️

Martin brings a wealth of experience to the team, having climbed some of the highest mountains in Africa and Asia. Most recently, he summited the 8th highest mountain in the world, a project that took years of hard work and preparation.
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Having spent days in isolation on remote mountains, Martin knows how to stay mentally tough and keep morale high in challenging conditions—skills he’s ready to share with the team during their Atlantic crossing as they compete in the @worlds.toughest.row. Combined with his immense strength (earning him the nickname Mr. Gorilla Man 🦍💪), Martin will be a driving force in powering the boat through the waves.
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Martin is driven by a desire to inspire others to push beyond their limits and raise awareness and funds for @younglivesvscancer and @moveagainstcancercharity, two charities close to the team’s heart.

#worldstoughestrow #atlanticcampaigns #wtr2026 #rannochadventure #oceanrowing #oceanrowers #row #younglivesvscancer #moveagainstcancer

Meet Scott: Our Handyman Extraordinaire! 🔧🚴‍♂️

Scott is the team’s go-to guy for anything and everything mechanical. Before earning his wings, he qualified as an electrician and spent his weekends racing motocross and tearing up trails on his mountain bike. Whether it’s fixing things, building things, or just tinkering for fun, Scott’s always got it covered.
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Scott has recently put himself through some seriously tough challenges, including several Special Forces test marches and functional fitness events. Oh, and just for fun, he also completed the Round the Rock Ultra Marathon, running the almost 50 miles around his home island of Jersey like it was no big deal. 🏃‍♂️💥
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With his practical skills, racing background, and sheer determination, Scott is more than ready to take on the Atlantic. He’s eager to get to the start line and raise awareness for @younglivesvscancer and @moveagainstcancercharity , two charities that inspire him to push beyond his limits.
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#worldstoughestrow #atlanticcampaigns #wtr2026 #rannochadventure #oceanrowing #oceanrowers #rowing #younglivesvscancer #moveagainstcancer

🌊 Meet Jon: Our Endurance Specialist! 🚴‍♂️🏃‍♂️

Jon is the team’s endurance powerhouse, with over 15 years of triathlon and adventure racing experience. As a highly regarded triathlon coach, he knows exactly how to push limits and get the very best out of people. Whether he’s on a bike or out running, Jon is completely in his element—and now, he’s ready to bring that same endurance and drive to the Atlantic crossing as part of the @worlds.toughest.row
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In 2019, Jon’s mental and physical resilience was tested to the limit when he was diagnosed with stage 2 testicular cancer. But true to his nature, he fought back, proving that no matter what life throws at you, you can overcome it and come back stronger than ever.
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Jon is taking on this epic row to raise funds and awareness for @younglivesvscancer and @moveagainstcancercharity two incredible charities making a difference in people’s lives. Also, fun fact: Jon is known to have the biggest calf muscles known to man—perfect for powering through those waves! 💪
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#worldstoughestrow #atlanticcampaigns #wtr2026 #rannochadventure #oceanrowing #oceanrowers #rowing #younglivesvscancer #moveagainstcancer

We Can Officially Say We’re Rowing the Atlantic Next Year! 🌊🚣‍♂️
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It’s official—the Coastal Commanders are taking on the Atlantic Ocean in 2026! Over 3,000 miles of open water stand between us and the finish line, and we’re ready to face the challenge.
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But this isn’t just about adventure—it’s about making a difference. We’re rowing to raise awareness and funds for @younglivesvscancer and @moveagainstcancercharity two incredible charities. We also want to inspire everyone to get active and join us in making waves for a good cause!
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What’s Next?
💪 Training Begins in January: Our training officially kicks off with @ocean_ready_ , an experienced Atlantic rower and PT who will help prepare us for the demands of rowing up to 16 hours a day.
🎉 Charity Events: Stay tuned for exciting updates, including a 24-hour row challenge to raise funds and awareness.
🚣‍♂️ The Boat: We’ll be picking up our ocean rowing boat in April from @rannochadventure —our home for this epic journey!
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Follow our journey as we prepare for this adventure of a lifetime. Together, we can make a real difference!

#CoastalCommanders #AtlanticRow #rowforchange #rannochadventure #worldstoughestrow

As the 2024 teams approach their final day of rowing this year and prepare to welcome the New Year, 8 boats have already passed the halfway mark!

Our boat, FREEDOM, is performing exceptionally well, with the @atlanticexploarers holding an impressive 6th place overall 💪 🌊

Wishing all the teams a safe and strong finish as they head into 2025. Keep pushing forward! 🚣‍♂️✨

🎄 Merry Christmas from the Coastal Commanders!
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Wishing all our friends, family, supporters and the teams competing in the 2024 @worldstoughestrow a very Merry Christmas! 🎅🎁 As we celebrate this festive season, we want to take a moment to thank everyone who has supported us so far on our journey to the Atlantic.
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Your encouragement, generosity, and belief in our mission mean the world to us. As we look ahead to 2026, we’re more motivated than ever to take on this incredible challenge and make a difference for @younglivesvscancer and @moveagainstcancercharity.

So, from our crew to yours, we hope your day is filled with love, laughter, and maybe a mince pie or two! 🎄✨ Here’s to an exciting year ahead—we can’t wait to share it with you!
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Stay safe, stay warm, and keep dreaming big!
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#MerryChristmas #CoastalCommanders #AtlanticRow

🌊 Partnering with Dom at Dine Out Meals! 🚣‍♂️🍴
We’re excited to announce that Dom from Dine Out Meals is joining our Atlantic rowing journey!
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Not only will Dom provide us with the nutrition-packed meals we need to sustain our energy, but as a former Atlantic crosser himself, he brings invaluable experience and advice for life at sea.
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💥 Fueling 6,000 Calories a Day: Each of us will burn an incredible 6,000 calories daily during the crossing—that’s the equivalent of 12 cheeseburgers, 15 large pizzas, or 60 bananas every single day! Thanks to Dom’s expertise, we’ll have the right meals to power through every wave.
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Check out more about Dine Out Meals at www.dineoutmeals.com or follow them on Instagram: @dineoutmeals
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We’re thrilled to have Dom as part of the team as we prepare for the adventure ahead!

#CoastalCommanders #AtlanticRow #RowForChange #dineoutmeals #worldstoughestrow #wtr2026

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COASTAL COMMANDERS

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ATLANTIC ROW 2026

COASTAL COMMANDERS

THE CHALLENGE

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PARTNERS

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COASTAL COMMANDERS

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