🌟 Hometown Row – 24 Days to Go and Big News!

Hello everyone,

We’re officially 24 days out from the start of the race and things are moving fast! The excitement is building, the prep is under way — and there’s a lot to share this week.

🎙️ On the Air

I had a wonderful time this week on air with Caroline Coastal FM (94.7 & 104.7 FM) — the community radio station based in Maldon and Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex.

It was great to talk about our journey, our goals, and how local communities are part of this expedition. Many thanks to the team there for hosting me!

🛑 Aurora Sea School Enters its Winter Pause

Our training centre, Aurora Sea School, has now closed its doors for the last time until April next year.

It’s a pause for the season — while we focus on final race prep, we’re also incredibly proud of everything the school has achieved this year. Training Ocean Rowers, Power boaters and Sailors alike.

🏅 Huge Congratulations

Over this past weekend, we celebrated a new group of students who passed their Yachtmaster Theory certificate — not an easy feat. Their hard work, dedication and focus have paid off. Congratulations to you all!

This kind of achievement reminds me why we do what we do: preparing people for the sea gives them confidence, skill — and a belief that the ocean can be mastered with the right training.

🩺 First Aid Training

On Monday and today I’ve been undertaking our final first aid sessions. Safety remains our top priority — and every drill, every scenario we practice is one more step toward being fully ready for the 3,000-mile crossing.

🙏 A Big Thank You to Our Sponsors & Charities

We are deeply grateful for the support of our equipment sponsors and the charity sponsors who are backing us on this journey. Your contributions make this expedition possible and elevate it beyond just a row — it becomes a mission.

Thank you for believing in us and in this adventure.

To date we have exceeded £5,000 towards our charity PHEONIX HEROES 🙌🙌🙌🙌

🏡 Final Week at Home

In the coming days I’ll be spending time at home, catching up with friends and family — a bit of calm before the storm of ocean life!

I’ll also be doing:

• Light training in the gym to stay sharp but not over-taxed

• Final checklist review: gear, supplies, safety systems

• Packing the boat and my own kit ready for our departure

The belt is tightening, the countdown is real — and we couldn’t be more excited to get going.

Thank you all again for being part of this journey. Your support — messages, shares, encouragement — makes a huge difference.

See you in the next update!

Until then,

Dawn 🌅

“I am Dawn Smith, and I am rowing home — the long way round!”