Taking to the high seas

When the self-styled ‘Atlantic Polo Team’ agreed to compete in the toughest ocean rowing race, they found it challenging in ways they could never have imagined

This page The Atlantic Polo Team celebrate victory in the ‘fours’ Opposite Fergus Scholes (behind), Bobby Melville, Henry Brett and James Glasson

On 21 January, a four-man team made up of a viscount, the former captain of the England polo team, a professional polo player and a former stockbroker beat all odds to win their division of the world’s toughest ocean endurance race: the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge. It was a feat that meant spending 48 days at sea, unaided, in a 7m rowing boat.

The Atlantic Polo Team set off on 4 December 2013 from San Sebastian in La Gomera, Canary Islands, rowing into the worst weather seen in 100 years, against 16 other teams. They finally crossed the finish line in Antigua after 3,000 nautical miles, coming second overall in the race and winning the ‘fours’.

The team raised money for working horses and their owners on behalf of The Brooke charity, as well as for Hilton in the Community Foundation and Right To Play. In the Q&A below, the team – Henry Brett, James Glasson, Bobby Melville and Fergus Scholes – discusses training, extreme weather conditions, fevers and their victorious finish.

What training did you undertake to prepare for the trip? We worked with Surrey Sports Park and Surrey Human Performance Institute and were given a thorough MOT before we began. Tom Batchelor, who trains the Quins rugby team, also gave us a programme to follow. We had ergometers at home and were instructed to row between 5,000 and 10,000m a day. Then we went on a two-week course with Seasports Southwest, during which we had to pass the Yachtmaster’s qualification and also train in sea survival. Our polo background means we are accustomed to teamwork and pressure, and have a natural level of fitness – but there’s nothing that can fully prepare you for the ocean.

Describe the build of your boat. It’s made of carbon-fibre and built to spec. It’s only 7m long and 2m wide and consists of just two rowing seats, the bow cabin and the aft cabin. The aft cabin fits one person and the bow two – that was where a pair of us would sleep while the other two rowed.

What were the highs and lows of the race? James: One high point was surfing down a 50ft monster of a wave, completely out of control. Ferg was in front of me and fell into my lap because of the force and angle of the boat! As the boat tailed off at the bottom of the wave, we were just grateful we were tied on… Then, three days later, Bobby and I were paired when

an irregular wave – what we call a sidewinder – came over the top of the boat, sending me flying overboard and nearly strangling Bobby in the process. That was certainly a low point. Henry: A high point for me was taking a break at midday when we were exactly 1,048 nautical miles from La Gomera and 1,048 from Antigua, and going swimming for the first time. I said to the guys, ‘This is what it’s all about!’ We took photos underwater and enjoyed the break from the monotony of rowing non-stop. A low point was being stuck in the bow cabin for three days with seasickness and claustrophobia. Fergus: The three-hour night row on New Year’s Eve with Henry was a real high, with perfect conditions, listening to what we call our ‘go hard’ playlist, and thoughts of loved ones on our minds. Bobby: A high point for me was on the second or third night, when the waves were going in the must be outward, not incoming. The phone is meant to be on for just one hour each day, so the duty officers can call if need be.

right direction and there was a full moon directly behind the boat, lighting the path ahead. The waves were too big for foot steering, so we stood up and hand-steered. It was a magical moment.

Was it possible to have contact with family and friends? Not often. As a rule, you’re not supposed to give out the email address or the number for the satellite phone, because all communications Did you encounter any interesting creatures while at sea? We spotted a whale and a pod of dolphins but, surprisingly, didn’t see much else of interest – in fact, our highlight one week was a piece of rubbish floating by!

How did it feel to cross the finish line? Most people didn’t expect us even to get to the start line, so we were delighted to win the ‘fours’ and come second out of the entire fleet – it was epic. We feel so privileged to have experienced the Atlantic Challenge, but we wouldn’t wish it on our worst enemies – we went through hell and back again out there!