Sponsored by SSAFA
https:// https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us
https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us
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10 Oct 24. Royal Navy’s Valkyries embark on Atlantic row, powered by support from NSSLGlobal. The Valkyries, the first all-female ocean rowing crew from the Royal Navy, are preparing to embark on the gruelling World’s Toughest Row – a 3,000-mile endurance race across the Atlantic Ocean. With the backing of NSSLGlobal, a long-time supporter of Royal Navy challenges, the crew will push their limits as they row across the Atlantic, enduring sleep deprivation, 40ft waves, and extreme physical and mental strain.
As part of the Royal Navy’s HMS Oardacious campaign, this mission not only tests human endurance but also raises vital funds for mental health support. NSSLGlobal, now in its fifth year as a Gold-tier sponsor of HMS Oardacious, will provide a satellite equipment and airtime, and most importantly 24/7 technical support to keep The Valkyries connected throughout their journey across the Atlantic.
The four intrepid women in this year’s team are known as The Valkyries in honour of the mythological female figures from Norse mythology who flew through the air and guarded the lives and ships of those they favoured. They aim to be the fastest female military crew to complete the Atlantic Challenge.
The sponsorship continues NSSLGlobal’s 42-year partnership with the Royal Navy and a 55-year track record of work with the MOD and commercial customers. NSSLGlobal will provide crucial 24/7 connectivity services, airtime and equipment to the team, who are all serving Royal Navy personnel.
The four team members are:
- Skipper Lt Cdr Izzy Rawlinson
- Lt Cdr Ali Aindow, one of the Royal Navy’s first female mine clearance diving officers
- PO Aaby Aldridge
- Warfare officer Lt Cdr Nic Hall
Billed as the World’s Toughest Row, the Atlantic Challenge starts in La Gomera in the Canaries on December 12th and ends at the Caribbean Island of Antigua approximately 40 days and nights later. Throughout this epic voyage, NSSLGlobal’s 24/7 connectivity will be essential for navigation, weather intelligence and for communications between The Valkyries, race organisers, friends and family and social media.
Sally-anne Ray, Group CEO, NSSLGlobal, said: “As an organisation with many strongly talented women in leadership roles it makes us especially proud to sponsor The Valkyries. Out on their own in the Atlantic, battling the elements and extreme fatigue, they will be an inspiration, reminding us of what women can achieve when faced with the toughest challenges”.
” Many of the NSSLGlobal team are ex-forces which also makes us value the work of the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity which is so closely tied in to HMS Oardacious. We certainly wish them well and have confidence they can achieve their ambition.”
HMS Oardacious, founded in 2019, raises funds for the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity and boosts awareness and understanding of mental health. It also heightens awareness of the importance of STEM subjects among students and has raised money for heritage charities. So far it has raised more than £600,000.
Lt Cdr Nic Hall, one of the Valkyries said: “Without the support and connectivity provided by NSSLGlobal our Atlantic crossing in a small boat would be far more challenging, leaving us much more isolated. I can’t fully express how grateful we are.
“We’re going to feel like tiny atoms out there on the Atlantic and our communications help keep us connected to the safety team and weather-router, making for a safer and hopefully shorter row. Having that connectivity will also enable us to keep up our media and social media activity to raise money and to stay in touch with family and friends.”
NSSLGlobal has supported each HMS Oardacious team with critical safety and welfare communications from its inception. That first Royal Navy team took 37 days, which was then the fastest military team in the race’s history. The 2022/23 took just over 35 days and the 2023/4 team claimed the title, albeit with a slightly slower time than 2022/2023.
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SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, has been providing lifelong support to our Forces and their families since 1885. In 2020, our teams of volunteers and employees helped more than 79,000 people in need, the
currently serving (both regulars and reserves), veterans from the Second World War and those who have served in more recent conflicts, as well as their families. SSAFA understands that behind every uniform is a person. And we are here for that person – any time they need us, in any way they need us, for as long as they need us.
https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us
https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us
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