Rowing the Oceans

The latest in our occasional series of NED (Network Evening Drinks) Talks took place on Zoom on the evening of Wednesday 15 November, when Chris Martin talked of his exploits rowing first the Atlantic and then the Pacific Ocean. Chris is a world record-setting adventurer and former international rower. He rowed the Atlantic solo and was the first to row the North Pacific in a pair.

Chris, himself a former researcher, spoke candidly about the challenges he overcame during his solo Atlantic trip, before moving on to explain how the Pacific trip was conceived and executed. Working in 2-hour stints, he and his colleague rowed the 5000 miles (as the crow flies) from the Japanese coast to the Golden Gate Bridge. In fact the pair covered some 7000 miles, allowing for diversions due to currents and winds, and spent over six months on the endeavour. It was a tale that clearly fascinated the 25 Network members and guests and sparked a welter of questions from the audience. We are hugely grateful to Chris for taking the time to speak to us.

The next event on our calendar will be the Christmas Drinks and AGM, which takes place on Tuesday 5 December at the Millbank premises of Verian (formerly Kantar Public). More details can be found here.