GB Row Challenge 2026
Powering an Epic Journey
Around Great Britain
EXPEDITION LAUNCHES IN
2,000 MILES
Entire UK coastline without
touching land
6 WEEKS AT SEA
24/7 rowing in 2-hour shifts
around the clock
EXTREME CONDITIONS
North Sea storms, tidal races,
shipping lanes
REAL SCIENCE
Environmental data collection
throughout journey
WHY IT MATTERS
MORE THAN AN ENDURANCE CHALLENGE
GB Row Challenge is a race with a purpose, not only do crews row the entirety of the 2,000mile coastline of Great Britain without setting foot on land, they use the extreme endurancechallenge as an opportunity to collect environmental data on the health of our coastalwaters. The expedition will combine human endurance with scientific purpose, contributingto a growing understanding of the challenges facing our marine environment.
Team Nautilus is a mixed crew of regular people, brought together by their shared love ofadventure, pushing the limits and inspiring others to do the same. The crew also are drivenby a passion for the ocean and a belief that exploration can play a role in environmentalunderstanding and stewardship. Their upcoming challenge will see them navigate some ofthe UK’s most demanding and varied marine conditions.
WHAT DATA ARE THEY COLLECTING?
MICROPLASTICS SAMPLES
Testing pollution levels in
coastal waters around Britain
While the distribution of microplastics
change between the years depending
on the exact sample locations,
trends are starting to emerge.
eDNA ANALYSIS
Marine biodiversity research
in partnership with
University of Portsmouth
115 species detected in 2024
across 68 eDNA samples collected
by GB Row Challenge.
SOUND RECORDINGS
Documenting underwater
noise pollution and marine life
Sound travels much further in water than in air.
As it travels so well, sound is used by many
marine species to communicate, hunt,
find a mate and avoid predators.
OCEAN HEALTH METRICS
Temperature, salinity, and
environmental conditions
Locally changes of over 2oC
were observed in some areas.
HELP POWER THIS EXPEDITION
Team Nautilus is funding this expedition independently while contributing valuable data to ocean science.
Your support helps them
X Reach the start line fully equipped
X Fund data collection and analysis
X Raise awareness for ocean conservation
JOIN THE 150 CLUB
Get your name or personal quote on the hull - they'll literally carry you around the British coastline.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE MISSION
AOIFE
Skipper
Environmental Consultant
"One stroke at a time"
MATT
First Mate
Former British Army
"Uncomfortable & terrifying"
KENZA
Crew
Environment Agency
"Here for the data"
BECKY
Crew
Sustainability Pro
"Zero rowing experience"
KIT
Paramedic
Emergency Services
"Much wetter than expected"
WHY TURTL PROJECT IS PART OF THIS
The Turtl Project exists to support positive environmental outcomes, particularly where innovation, education, and real-world impact intersect.
Supporting Team Nautilus reflectsthis ethos, enabling practical action that contributes to understanding and protecting marineenvironments.
The support from The Turtl Project will help to ensure that the expedition is properly equipped for the 6-week long journey at sea.
Together, The Turtl Project and Team Nautilus are working toward a common goal: healthier seas, better data, and greater awareness of the challenges our oceans face.
BE PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER
2,000 miles of rowing
6 weeks of data collection
One mission
Healthier oceans
Together for our oceans