Once underway, the rowers quickly felt the brutal reality of their mission. Sophie described the opening stretch as exhausting, with the team rowing in two-hour shifts. Team Cruising Free—comprising Sophie Pierce from Johnston, Miyah Periam from Milford Haven, Polly Zipperlen from Llangwm, and Janine Williams from Neyland—departed from Lanzarote on Saturday, February 1, as part […]
Once underway, the rowers quickly felt the brutal reality of their mission. Sophie described the opening stretch as exhausting, with the team rowing in two-hour shifts.
Team Cruising Free—comprising Sophie Pierce from Johnston, Miyah Periam from Milford Haven, Polly Zipperlen from Llangwm, and Janine Williams from Neyland—departed from Lanzarote on Saturday, February 1, as part of the 2025 Atlantic Dash.
For team member Sophie, the challenge is particularly personal. As someone living with cystic fibrosis, she hopes to become the first person with the condition to row the Atlantic. Meanwhile, 70-year-old Janine is aiming to set her own record as the oldest woman to complete the crossing.
Making history on the waves
The four-woman crew is one of only four teams competing in this year’s Atlantic Dash and is rowing in aid of three charities: Paul Sartori Hospice at Home, the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, and Emily’s Entourage—a charity supporting research into cystic fibrosis.
A TEAM of Pembrokeshire rowers has finally embarked on their gruelling 3,200-mile journey across the Atlantic after being held back by rough weather for over a week.
Team Cruising Free is documenting their journey via Facebook, where supporters can follow their progress across the Atlantic.
A tough start at sea
Despite the challenges, the team remains positive, helped by favourable wind and swell conditions that are carrying them in the right direction.
Speaking before their departure, Sophie shared the team’s mix of excitement and nerves. “There’s a lot of uncertainty, so we’re focusing on taking it step by step rather than thinking about the entire journey to Antigua in one go.”
The first few hours at sea proved punishing, with towering waves and relentless seasickness making the transition to life on the water anything but smooth. However, in a message to supporters, the rowers reassured everyone that they were adjusting and settling into a rhythm.
Community support driving them forward
Sophie also highlighted the camaraderie among the Atlantic Dash teams, describing the past month as a time of mutual support and encouragement.
The rowers have expressed immense gratitude for the backing they’ve received, particularly from their lead sponsor, Bluestone, as well as Dale Sailing, which supplied new solar panels to ensure their boat was fully prepared for the crossing.
“The waves are huge, and we’re all shattered,” she said in a voice note home. “We’re covered in bruises, and I managed to smack my rib with an oar in the swell, so that’s sore. Miyah has been really seasick, but she’s finally managed to eat, which is a good sign. Polly’s also struggling with seasickness, but we’re pushing through.”
