Today we’re catching up with Project Management student Megan, who is planning to row across the Atlantic Ocean alongside two other women. They’ll be rowing from the Canary Islands to Antigua this December! This gruelling challenge will help to raise money for charity, as well as testing their endurance and skills.
Tell us a bit about yourself!
“I’m currently a Project Management Degree Apprentice with Babcock, studying through UCW. It’s a brilliant balance of hands‑on experience and academic learning. I get to apply what I’m studying directly into real projects, which has really accelerated my development. I love that every week brings something new, whether that’s managing stakeholders, planning complex tasks, or supporting teams to deliver meaningful work.”
What inspired you to take on the challenge of rowing across the Atlantic?
“I started rowing in 2021 and fell in love with the sport almost instantly. Not long after, I discovered the Atlantic rowing challenge and thought it looked like the adventure of a lifetime – but at the time, I had no idea where to even begin, so I parked the idea. Still, it kept resurfacing. I’ve always been drawn to big adventures, and eventually that spark of curiosity turned into a plan, and that plan turned into a team. Now it feels surreal that something I once thought was impossible is becoming a reality.”
Which charity are you rowing for, and why is this cause important to you personally?
“I’m rowing for Best Mates, a charity founded in Swindon, where I grew up. Their mission is to provide emotional, physical, and financial support to people who need it most. One of the things I love about them is their “mate” system – pairing someone who’s struggling with a volunteer who has lived through something similar and come out the other side.
“In my own lowest moments, it’s been my friends, family, and wider community who have helped me find my feet again. Their support is a huge part of why I’m able to take on something as monumental as rowing the Atlantic. I believe everyone deserves that same safety net, and fundraising for Best Mates is my way of helping make that possible.”
When is the row planned to take place, and how long is the journey expected to take?
“We set off this December from the Canary Islands. The world record for a trio of women is 40 days, but we’re being realistic and responsible – we’ll be carrying 60 days worth of food. The Atlantic has a mind of its own, so we’re preparing for whatever it throws at us.”
What does training for something as intense as an Atlantic row involve for you?
“Training is a mix of physical preparation and skill-building. Physically, it’s lots of time on the rowing machine, strength training, and building resilience to reduce our risk of injury. But rowing is only one part of the challenge. We also have to learn how to navigate across an ocean, operate all of our onboard systems, manage sleep deprivation, and keep ourselves safe in an environment that’s constantly changing. It’s a huge learning curve, but an exciting one.”
What do you think will be the biggest physical or mental challenge during the row?
“I think the biggest challenge will be pushing off from La Gomera and knowing we have absolutely no idea how long we’ll be at sea. There’s a huge difference between a 40‑day crossing and a 60‑day crossing, and the truth is we won’t know which one we’re heading for until we’re living it. That uncertainty – not knowing when we’ll see land again, when we’ll reach Antigua, or how the weather will treat us – is going to be mentally tough. You can train for the physical side, but you can’t rehearse the feeling of being completely at the mercy of the ocean. It’s going to take a lot of trust in our preparation, our teamwork, and our ability to adapt to whatever the Atlantic decides to throw at us.”
How have your project management studies helped prepare you for a challenge like this?
“They’ve helped massively. So much of this row is essentially a giant project: planning, risk management, stakeholder engagement, budgeting, scheduling, and constant problem‑solving. I feel like I’m applying what I learn in my degree every single week – and the row has become a real-life case study in teamwork, resilience, and structured planning.”
What has the reaction been from friends, family, and your tutors since you shared your plans?
“Everyone has been incredibly supportive. My friends and family have been behind me from the start, and UCW have been brilliant in helping me plan a break in learning and map out how I’ll catch up when I return. This challenge simply wouldn’t be possible without that support network.”
What are you most looking forward to once you complete the row?
“Honestly – having more free time. We’re so excited for the challenge, but it takes up a huge amount of time outside of my 9–5 and my studies. I’m looking forward to celebrating what we’ve achieved, reconnecting with normal life, and maybe even enjoying a weekend that doesn’t involve a rowing machine!”
Do you have a message for anyone else who might be thinking about taking on a challenge like this?
“There’s never a perfect time to take on something big – life doesn’t pause to give you a clear window. So if there’s something you feel drawn to, I’d say absolutely go for it. It doesn’t have to be as extreme as rowing the Atlantic. Any challenge that pushes you outside your comfort zone will teach you so much about who you are and what you’re capable of. Balancing it alongside your studies can feel daunting, but with good planning and the right support, it’s completely possible. And the confidence you gain from doing something you once thought was out of reach is worth every bit of effort.”
We’re all wishing Megan and her team the best of luck with this inspiring challenge! Check back on our news tab to see any updates! If you want to find out more about Megan’s Project Management degree apprenticeship which helped her prepare for this, click here!
