Dawn Smith BEM
“I am Dawn Smith BEM and am the skipper of this expedition. I am a commercially endorsed Yachtmaster Examiner and have worked commercially on the water for over 20 years as a police boat skipper so am no stranger to the water. I took early retirement from the Police in May 2022 to follow my dream of rowing oceans and setting up my own Sea School business, predominantly teaching people who want to row an ocean. It will be my 50th Birthday just before we set off on the 3rd Leg, so I hope I am in a good position to represent this campaign showing that people of any age, especially women, can achieve something extraordinary.
The name Aurora is a girl's name of Latin origin meaning "Dawn." So, it seemed appropriate to name her campaign after the lady who is skippering the challenge. Aurora also symbolises the start of a new day or a new beginning, which is a powerful symbol to head the campaign. Dawn Smith BEM is one of the most experienced ocean rowers in the world, with five previous ocean crossings under her belt. Her impressive achievements include:
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Solo Atlantic Row (2019) – The 7th women on earth to complete this challenge unsupported. 2,920nm
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UK Coastal Pairs (2020 & 2021) – 370nm
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Co-Skipper of 12-Person Roxy Atlantic Expedition (2021 & 2022) – 2,771nm & 2759nm
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Round Scotland (2022) – 357nm
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Pacific Ocean Female Trio (2023) – Breaking records: ‘Fastest female trio to row the mid Pacific’. 2,300nm
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Atlantic Ocean Female Four (2024) – Winning the women’s class and breaking the record for most amount of ocean crossings completed by a female. 2,752nm
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Over 13,000 Nautical Miles Rowed in total, two world records and two race class winners – A testament to her endurance and expertise.