Two extraordinary women have made history — and helped transform young lives along the way.

Beth and Jess, rowing as Atlantic Highway, have crossed the finish line in Antigua as Winners of the Women’s Class in the World’s Toughest Row 2025, setting a new world record for the fastest women’s pair to row the Atlantic Ocean.

Completing the 3,000‑mile crossing from La Gomera to Antigua completely unsupported, the pair finished in an astonishing time of 38 days, 12 hours and 18 minutes, beating the previous women’s pair record by almost a full week.

A challenge like no other

The World’s Toughest Row is widely regarded as one of the most physically and mentally demanding endurance races in the world. Over more than five weeks at sea, Beth and Jess rowed day and night in rotating shifts, battling towering 40‑foot waves, heavy downpours, extreme heat and humidity, sleep deprivation and physical exhaustion, and long periods of isolation in the open ocean.

Rowing for mental health and wellbeing

Alongside their world‑record attempt, Atlantic Highway set out to raise awareness and funds for our North Devon Project Hub. Taking on one of the toughest endurance challenges on the planet, their journey has been a powerful reminder of the connection between physical movement, mental resilience and time spent in blue spaces.

Thanks to the generosity of supporters following their journey, Atlantic Highway have now surpassed their £10,000 fundraising target, an extraordinary achievement that will help us continue delivering Surf Therapy sessions for young people. Although the finish line has been crossed, donations remain open.

Congratulations Beth and Jess! Everyone at The Wave Project is incredibly proud to have been part of this remarkable journey.