Three intrepid UAE residents, Toby Gregory, Orlagh Dempsey, and Andy Savill, have set off on a historic rowing expedition across the Arctic Ocean, aiming to be the first unassisted trio to complete the 1,500km journey from Tromso, Norway, to Svalbard, an archipelago in the Arctic Ocean.
The Arctic Challenge, founded by Toby Gregory and in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme’s Clean Seas initiative, is a bold, record-breaking attempt to raise awareness of critical ocean conservation and the ever-growing challenge of plastic pollution.
The non-stop journey, which covers one of Earth’s most unforgiving yet valuable and delicate ecosystems, will see the explorers rowing continuously while carrying out scientific experiments.
‘This expedition is the ultimate challenge of human endurance and grueling determination,’ explains Toby. ‘But it’s also a call to action for protecting our planet.
‘The Arctic Challenge is unique as it combines a historic first – an unassisted three-person row across the Arctic Ocean – with our mission to combat plastic pollution and advance scientific knowledge. Through our partnership with UNEP and extensive educational outreach, we aim to inspire global action and create a lasting impact,’ he added.
The Arctic Ocean is a prime location for scientific discovery, providing unprecedented insights into climate change, biodiversity, and ecological strength. The Arctic region is experiencing some of the most rapid and dramatic effects of climate change, such as melting sea ice and rising temperatures. By studying these changes, the Arctic Challenge team are hoping to provide valuable insights into global climate trends and future scenarios.
Arctic Challenge Rows for Records
The courageous team will also be attempting to set five Guinness World Records. These include reaching the northernmost latitude on land by a rowing vessel on the Arctic Ocean Open Waters, the first trio to row the Arctic Ocean Open Waters from south to north, and the youngest average age for a team to row the Arctic Ocean Open Waters in this direction.
By completing The Arctic Challenge, the crew will also become the first three-person team to row across the Arctic Ocean, marking a huge achievement in ocean exploration history.
Orlagh Dempsey’s involvement in The Arctic Challenge as the first woman to undertake this route, is also a milestone for gender equality. Her participation highlights her personal dedication to breaking barriers and setting an example for women in extreme sports and environmental advocacy.
‘This journey highlights that greatness knows no gender and shows young women that they can achieve their ambitions. It’s an honour to contribute to sustainability and environmental advocacy while breaking new ground in extreme sports.’
Orlagh Dempsey, The Arctic Chaellenge
‘Being the first woman to row this route is a dream come true and a significant milestone for gender equality.’ she said. ‘This journey highlights that greatness knows no gender and shows young women that they can achieve their ambitions. It’s an honor to contribute to sustainability and environmental advocacy while breaking new ground in extreme sports.’
Prioritising education, Toby and his team reached out to over 60 schools and 200,000 students before the Artic Challenge began. They intend to also engage one million students globally by December 2nd, coinciding with the UAE’s National Day celebrations.
Inspired by his 2022 trans-Atlantic rowing expedition, Toby Gregory founded The Arctic Challenge as a way to continue raising awareness for ocean conservation and environmental protection. Building on his previous collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme’s Clean Seas project, Toby saw the Arctic Challenge as an opportunity to further contribute to the global efforts to safeguard our oceans and promote sustainable practices.
Watch Toby Gregory speak on our podcast On The Couch with The Ethicalist about his previous feat last year, here.
