Team Atlantic Fusion:
3000 miles row across the Atlantic Ocean
In December 2024 Atlantic Fusion will attempt to be the first 5-person mixed-gender crew to row 3000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean in the World’s Toughest Row. If they cross the finish line the team will be world record holders!
Team Atlantic Fusion are the first 5-person mixed-gender crew to attempt to row across the Atlantic Ocean. Why ‘Fusion’? The team comprises of members of two rowing clubs, two genders, two nationalities from two generations rowing between two continents. We need to raise £120,000 just to get to the start line. Around £70,000 of this is for the purchase of the ocean rowing boat which has a similar re-sale value for future teams. All proceeds from this sale will go to our chosen charity Abbey’s Army.
Annika Israelsson
“Hi! I’m Annika, a Swedish American Actuary living in London who has been rowing since the age of 13. Having rowed at clubs in Arizona, Sweden and London, I’ve seen my share of rivers, lakes and harbours. Now, I am so excited to add Atlantic rower to my list. I race in a double with Molly who will also be rowing the Atlantic with me. She introduced me to the challenge at our boathouse Christmas party and it has been all I can think about ever since. I am so excited to be a part of this team”.
Bel Noyes
“Hi, I’m Bel, a 50 year old mother of 2 living and working in Poole, Dorset. Growing up, my dad would take my brother and I rowing with him on the River Thames, I loved it, and everything water based since. For the past 8 years I have rowed, coxed and raced in Cornish pilot gigs for Poole Gig Rowing Club. This year I competed in my 2nd World championships out in the Isles of Scillies and also had the privilege of being accepted into the Cornish Barbarian Gig Club to join their marathon charity row.
To row the Atlantic and be part of the atlanticfusion2024 team is such a fantastic opportunity, it is the ultimate challenge, and I just love a challenge!”
Dave Fassam
“I am a 50-year-old national safety investigator for the NHS, based in Poole in Dorset. Before working in healthcare, I was in the Army for 24 years, working first as an aircraft engineer and then an air accident investigator. I have always aimed to push myself forward in all I do. In 2016, I started Pilot Gig Rowing and never looked back – I was Men’s Captain and our Club celebrated being top 50 in the world at the recent Gig Championships in the Isles of Scilly.
The World’s Toughest Row – Atlantic is another level of physical and mental challenge for me and I feel privileged to be part of this team. Being out on the water is my happy place – and if you don’t find me there then it will be because I am watching any/every sport I can, finding a great new coffee blend or out and about with my camera!”
Molly Hemeter
“I am a 24-year-old Customer Success Manager in London. I’ve been a competitive river rower for nearly 7 years, looking to take on the challenge of a lifetime after being inspired by my friend Georgie who completed the race in 2020. I wanted to take part in something that gave me space to only have thoughts of really living in the moment and thinking of only rowing, sleeping, and eating!”
Steven Haywood
“Hi I’m Steven, a 51 year old British Military Veteran from Dorset . I have retired from the security forces after 36 years of service. I have done some long endurance events before like swimming the English Channel and completing a triathlon between London and Paris. The World’s Toughest Row – Atlantic 2024 will be my most amazing event yet and it is so exciting to have joined four other awesome rowers for this life changing challenge.”