🌍 Hometown Row – Connecting Communities Across the Atlantic

🌍 Hometown Row – Connecting Communities Across the Atlantic

Hello everyone,

As our departure draws closer, it’s all starting to feel very real! Paul and I will be travelling to La Gomera on the 30th November to begin 12 days of final preparations before the start of the World’s Toughest Row on 12th December.

This week, we’re excited to share one of the most meaningful parts of our journey — our new mission to connect communities across the Atlantic Ocean.

🤝 A Journey That Links Two Worlds

From our home in Essex, UK, all the way to Fernandina Beach, Florida, our expedition isn’t just about rowing an ocean — it’s about creating lasting connections between two coastal communities that share a love of the sea, teamwork, and adventure.

We’ve been gathering tokens, coins, and flags from local groups and organisations here in Essex — including:

🏴‍☠️ The Pirate Club

⛳ The Golf Club

🚓 Local Police

⚓ The Yacht Club

🏫 Local Schools

⚙️ The Rotary Club

Each of these items will be carried 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean aboard our rowing boat. When we arrive in Florida, we’ll swap them with partner clubs and groups there — creating a symbolic exchange between our two communities.

Then, when we make the return journey home in 2026, we’ll row the Florida items back to Essex, completing a full circle of friendship and connection that spans the Atlantic.

🌊 What’s Next

We’ll arrive in La Gomera at the end of November to begin race preparations — packing equipment, testing systems, stocking food, and running final safety checks. It’s a busy time, but the excitement (and nerves!) are starting to build!

From 12th December, the daily ship’s log will begin — sharing life on board, our progress, challenges, and triumphs at sea.

You’ll be able to follow along here on Substack and on our website:

👉 www.rowaurora.co.uk

Thank you to everyone who’s already shown incredible support — from local clubs to sponsors, friends, and followers around the world. Every comment, message, and handshake reminds us why we’re doing this.

Together, we’re not just rowing across an ocean —

we’re building a bridge between communities. 🌍💙

Until next time,

Dawn 🌅

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