THE TEAM
We are the Coastal Commanders, a team of three commercial airline captains who will be competing in the World's Toughest Row in 2026. As airline captains, we possess the skills and competencies which will be essential to the planning and execution of a successful row. Outside of aviation we have all excelled in different fields and we know we can come together to make a unique record breaking team.
JON REILLY
Airline Captain
Jon is our endurance specialist. Jon has over 15 years of triathlon racing experience over multiple distances, representing GB triathlon in the Age Group World Championships on several occasions. Jon has also been coaching triathlon and running training camps with Tri Training Harder for several years, he knows how to get the very best out of people. As well as pushing his body to the limit across the triathlon racing circuit Jon has challenged his mental and physical capabilities on many wild and wonderful off-grid adventures. He’s ridden his bike the length of the UK, twice, 2500 miles through Patagonia to the tip of South America and through the deserts and mountains of Morocco.
However, Jon’s physical and mental fortitude was tested to the limit in 2019 when he was diagnosed with stage 2 testicular cancer. Jon battled through 3 grueling rounds of chemotherapy to get his body back in shape to race triathlons again less than a year after diagnosis. Jon is excited to take on the Atlantic, as his biggest challenge yet to prove that no matter what setbacks life throws your way, you can beat them and come back stronger than ever.
Read more about Jon’s cancer journey on his blog at Triathlete vs Cancer.
SCOTT DINGLE
Airline Captain
Scott is the handyman on board. Before becoming a pilot he qualified as an electrician and enjoyed working on motorbikes and cars throughout his youth. Every weekend was packed with racing both motocross and mountain bikes.
Scott has competed in several Special Forces test marches and functional fitness events. He has also turned his attention to ultra running and is currently training for a ultra marathon around his home island of Jersey. Scott is a well-rounded athlete and is fully prepared to face the challenges of the Atlantic ocean.
Scott is eager to get to the start line and promote the Coastal Commander’s mission statement and get people moving.
MARTIN MEAD
Airline Captain
Martin is the expedition specialist of the group having spent months at a time away from home, climbing some of the highest mountains in Africa and the Himalayas. He spent several years training and working towards his goal of climbing an 8,000 metre Peak. He achieved this on the 26th of September 2023 summiting Manaslu, the eighth highest mountain in the world standing at 8,163 metres. The expeditions have pushed him to the extreme, both mentally and physically but through years of rigorous training and his strong determination he was able to push forward and achieve his ultimate goal.
Martin has always had a passion for the ocean and after conquering the mountains he now has his sight set on accomplishing an even greater challenge, a 3,000 mile row across the Atlantic Ocean. He looks to take the skills learnt while preparing for his expeditions to help his team mates row the Atlantic in record breaking time.
Martin is taking on this challenge to encourage everyone to get out of their comfort zone, and prove that with the right mindset, you can push yourself further than you thought possible.
OUR STORY
Jon, Scott, and Martin formed a strong bond while working together as pilots for a major UK airline. Their hours spent together in the flight deck flying across Europe led to tales of their individual adventures around the world. One challenge that was on all of their bucket lists was rowing an ocean. Their Atlantic row has been a long time in the making. In 2026, they will finally swap their seats of their Boeing flight deck for the rowing deck on their Rannoch ocean rowing boat, Freedom, as the Coastal Commanders.
OUR MISSION
“To inspire and motivate people to lead active lives and overcome life’s challenges.”
Join us as we embark on our campaign, facing physical and mental challenges along the way. Throughout our journey, we aim to inspire others to overcome life's obstacles and embrace a healthy lifestyle. By maintaining a positive mindset, working hard, and being resilient, you can overcome any adversity that comes your way.
One of our team members, Jon, was diagnosed with cancer in 2019. His story of resilience and recovery has been a tremendous source of motivation for all of us. For Jon and the Coastal Commanders, our challenge is the Atlantic Ocean and we hope Jon's story serves as inspiration for you to prioritise your physical and mental well-being.
We don’t expect everyone to scale mountains, traverse deserts, or cross oceans. We simply want to emphasise the importance of physical and mental resilience and how to cultivate it. This resilience will not only help you in your daily life, but with determination and dedication, it will also lead to incredible experiences that once seemed out of reach.
Join us on this exhilarating adventure!
