Evelyn Partners sponsors rowing team for tilt at record-breaking Atlantic crossing

The group are aiming for the record-breaking attempt, which will require them to row unassisted for 3,000 miles, as part of the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge 2023. The crew will have a combined age of 232 years 10 months and 2 days old when they set off on the challenge – 10 years older than the current record holders.  

The four-strong ‘Intrepid 232’ team includes Rosemary Satchwell, who works as Evelyn Partners’ Head of Compliance in Jersey.  Along with fellow teammates Julie Brady, Alison Smithurst and Helene Monpetit, they will set off in December 2023 from San Sebastian in La Gomera, Canary Islands and anticipate arriving in Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua between 45 to 70 days later, depending on weather conditions.

The team is raising money for two charities: the Grace Crocker Foundation, set up to support Jersey families who need to spend time in the UK while their children receive hospital treatment, and the Blue Marine Foundation which is dedicated to restoring ocean health by addressing overfishing.   

John Bunch, Chief Financial Services Director at Evelyn Partners commented: “We are delighted to be able to support Rosemary and her fellow Intrepid 232 teammates on their ambitious challenge to row across the Atlantic. As well as hoping to set a new record, the team will also be raising vital funds for two charities. Everyone at Evelyn Partners wishes the team well as their prepare for their epic adventure at the end of next year.”   

Rosemary commented: “Having Evelyn Partners on board as a Silver Sponsor makes the hardest part of the challenge – getting to the start line – so much easier!  Not only have Evelyn Partners provided financial assistance they will be with us on the journey offering support and helping us to get our name out there and gain more support.  It means a lot to me to know my colleagues are behind me and are both interested and care about what we are working towards and ultimately what we will achieve. 

“Many years ago my husband suggested that seeing as I was spending so much of my free time rowing it might be a good idea if I would row across the Atlantic and get it out of my system!  Two of the other girls, Helene and Alison, had similar thoughts about undertaking the challenge. However, the time never seemed right and we never really had the conversation, until during the pandemic. Julie was keen for a challenge and, being the only who never rowed before decided this was the one for her!  We discussed it and decided if not now then when? 

“We need to do this while it is still physically possible.  None of us want to let this opportunity pass and be left wondering if we could have done it.  We want to show also that once you are determined to do something age should not necessarily be a barrier.”  

The team is currently concentrating on strength, core, stability and flexibility to ensure that everything is strong and in good working order before they ramp up the training.   

Rosemary added: “We will be getting our boat in a couple of weeks and have an ocean rowing coach coming to Jersey from the UK to explain how to get the most out of our training and the boat, while enjoying a safe Atlantic crossing.  We will be spending a lot of time on our boat before the start in December 2023, familiarising ourselves with it – both on and off the water and a lot of time on the rowing machine.”  

The team follows in the footsteps of Guy Rigby, previously Head of Entrepreneurial Services at Evelyn Partners, and David Murray who competed in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge 2021 and became the oldest pair on planet earth to row any ocean. 

To sponsor the Intrepid 232 team, please visit www.intrepid232.com 

[1] Photograph taken December 2021 at La Gomera, from front to back: Helene Monpetit, Rosemary Satchwell, Alison Smithurst, Julie Brady