Emma Wolstenholme

First Woman to Attempt Solo Row Around Britain

On 1 June, Emma sets off to do what no one – man or woman – has ever done before:
Row solo and unsupported around the entire coast of Great Britain.

Emma is rowing around Great Britain. Alone. No sails. No engines. No one meeting her on land. Not even an apple from a passing boat.

It’s roughly 2,000 nautical miles. She’ll row through the toughest waters in Europe – navigating the wild Atlantic, the busy English Channel, and the long, exposed East Coast.

She’s the first woman ever to attempt this. Seven men have tried before. None have made it.

This summer, two men will be attempting the same challenge at the same time. One has a custom-built boat and major funding behind him. The other? Attempted the row last year… and lasted just 18 hours before being rescued.

Important Update:

After a strong start, Emma encountered extreme and unforecasted conditions just hours into her row. Facing dangerous swells, shifting winds, and near-capsize moments near Neist Point — one of the most treacherous coastlines in the UK — she made the brave and decisive call to end her attempt while she was still close enough to row home safely.

This was no easy decision, but it was the right one. Emma’s honesty, resilience and self-awareness are exactly what make her such an inspiration.

We are incredibly proud to have supported her through the preparation and launch of this challenge. And while the expedition didn’t go as planned, Emma's courage in the face of danger shows exactly what it means to push the limits of human performance.

Emma — thank you for inspiring us all. We’ll be cheering you on for whatever comes next.

Emma’s Story – The Why Behind the Row

What Makes This Different

Emma has a tiny boat, powered only by oars and determination. She is fully self-funded and has no team behind her. She’ll be handling all her own weather routing and navigation herself. Her “shower” is one wipe a day. Her toilet? A bucket.

She’ll rely on solar panels to power her gear and make drinking water from the sea. Her meals are boil-in-the-bag rations, freeze-dried packs, and the occasional square of chocolate.

And yet, she’s ready. Because two years ago, Emma led an all-female crew to break the world record for rowing round Britain – smashing it by more than a week.

Why She’s Doing It

Emma is the National Ambassador for the RAF Air Cadets. She’s taking on this challenge to show what’s possible – for young people, for women, for anyone who's ever been told “you can’t.”

Follow our social media – we’ll be sharing Emma’s updates, live check-ins, and moments from the sea.

Fuel for the Journey

Back pain had held Emma back for years. But during that record-breaking row, she took one Active Collagen gel every day – and the pain disappeared. It hasn’t returned since.

Now, she’s trusting it again for her solo attempt.