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AURORA SEA SCHOOL

Expert Training 

Aurora Sea School is a premier training provider for ocean rowing, seamanship, and maritime navigation. Founded by world-record-holding ocean rower Dawn Smith, Aurora Sea School equips individuals with the skills, confidence, and knowledge needed to take on the world's most challenging maritime adventures.

Whether you're preparing for an ocean rowing expedition, seeking RYA qualifications, or looking to develop essential seamanship and survival skills, our courses are tailored to meet your needs. From complete beginners to experienced adventurers, we offer expert coaching, hands-on training, and real-world preparation for life at sea.

Why Choose Aurora Sea School?

✔ Expert-Led Training – Learn from Dawn Smith, a highly experienced commercial mariner, Yachtmaster examiner, and record-breaking ocean rower.
✔ Hands-On Experience – Practical, real-world training to develop essential seamanship and survival skills.
✔ Comprehensive Courses – Covering ocean rowing, navigation, safety at sea, VHF radio, survival techniques, and more.
✔ Proven Success – Many of our students have gone on to successfully complete ocean crossings and professional maritime careers.
✔ Supportive & Professional – We are passionate about helping individuals of all backgrounds achieve their ocean-going dreams.

Meet Dawn Smith 

Founder | Ocean Rower | World Record Holder | Maritime Trainer

Dawn Smith is an internationally recognized ocean rower, expedition leader, and Yachtmaster Examiner with over 21 years of experience as a commercial mariner. She holds the world record for the most ocean rowing crossings completed by a female, having successfully completed five ocean crossings—four Atlantic and one Pacific—plus extensive coastal rowing around Scotland and the east coast of England. She is also a British Empire Medal (BEM) recipient for her contributions to adventure and maritime training.

Dawn’s extensive career includes:

  • World Record Holder – The most ocean rowing crossings completed by a female.

  • Five Ocean Crossings – Four Atlantic and one Pacific, solo and as part of a team.

  • Solo Atlantic Crossing (2019) – One of only a handful of women to complete this challenge.

  • Pacific Ocean Trio (2023) – Breaking records with an all-female team from Monterey to Hawaii.

  • Multiple Atlantic Expeditions – Co-skipper and skipper roles in large crew expeditions.

  • Former Police Marine Skipper – The first female police boat skipper in her force, also serving as a firearms officer, tactical medical trainer, and national marine tactical advisor.

  • Navigation & Survival Expert – A specialist in celestial navigation, IRPCS regulations, and offshore survival.

Through Aurora Sea School, Dawn is committed to empowering individuals to take on their own ocean adventures—whether through training, coaching, or hands-on expedition preparation.

Ready to Take on the Ocean?

Whether you're planning an ocean row, seeking RYA qualifications, or want to build your confidence at sea, Aurora Sea School is here to help.

📍 Location: Burnham-on-Crouch, UK
📞 Contact: Dawn@RowAurora.co.uk
🌍 Website: www.RowAurora.co.uk

Join Aurora Sea School and take the first step toward your next maritime adventure! 🚣‍♂️🌊

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WHAT PEOPLE SAY

Pamela Marron

Doing a course with Dawn has really  improved my confidence on the water. An excellent instructor.

Ian Newling

I passed my Yacht Master practical course as a direct result of Dawns expert instruction and  I am now a  commercial skipper myself

Robin Watts

One of the best courses i have ever been on. I did not know first aid could be so much fun.

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© 2023 Aurora Sea School

Aurora Sea School Limited (trading as Aurora sea school) is a company registered in England and Wales with company number 14879928
Registered Address:
Sea End House, Burnham on Crouch, Essex, CM0 8AN. email: Dawn@rowaurora.co.uk

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