NMSI Sponsors Team Wild Waves

NMSI is delighted to be sponsoring Team Wild Waves in their quest to row across the Pacific Ocean. Best friends Jessica Oliver and Charlotte Harris met at university and had no rowing experience when they decided to take on the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge in 2020. This gruelling 3,000 mile race featured 33 pairs of women rowers. Not only did the girls win but they beat the world record for a female pair by 5 days and set a new world record by finishing in 45 days, 7 hours and 25 minutes.

They proved that with teamwork, grit and determination anything is possible. But it wasn’t always straightforward. The pair braved storms, sharks and huge waves that capsized the boat. But throughout they managed to retain a positive attitude and sense of fun which they credit with getting them to the finish line. This determination and belief is something that also resonates throughout NMSI which, recognising the infrastructure gap in Africa, set about designing and implementing social infrastructure projects.

The next challenge for Team Wild Waves is to row the World’s deepest ocean in June 2024. With an average crossing time of 62 days, the trans-Pacific challenge is known as the ‘World’s Toughest Row’ and covers the 2,800 miles from Monterey Bay, California to Kauai, Hawaii. Only 33 teams have ever successfully completed the race.

These challenges are not simply about adventure, the team raised over £100,000 for Shelter and Women’s Aid with their Atlantic crossing. Their goal for the next race is to raise £50,000 for Shelter. Jessica said “Seeing the difference that money has made to others has been as rewarding as the race itself”.

We wish them all the best in their next challenge and look forward to tracking their progress.

To support Jessica and Charlotte go to: World’s Toughest Row - Pacific 2024 | givestar