Ollie Phillips, Executive MBA 2016
We’re just over the halfway mark on our Atlantic rowing journey. There are still 1,100 miles to go, but passing that halfway point brought a huge psychological boost. It’s a strange feeling: only a few more miles added to the journey, but the knowledge that we’ve rowed further than what’s left to row is massive.
The mental game
The psychology of this challenge is something I never fully anticipated. Before we set off, I’d always been fascinated by the idea of crossing such an enormous stretch of ocean under my own steam. The very possibility of rowing across the Atlantic had captivated me for years. During my Executive MBA at Cambridge Judge, I spoke at length to Mark de Rond (Professor of Organisational Ethnography at Cambridge Judge), who had taken on a rowing challenge down the Amazon. I was fascinated by the psychological aspects he described.
When this opportunity arose – especially with the chance to raise money for causes close to my heart – it felt like the stars were finally aligned. I leapt at it, but the reality is very different from the anticipation.
Our life aboard: Two hours on, two hours off
Our routine is relentless: two hours rowing, two hours rest, around the clock. If I can bank about five hours of sleep over a 24-hour period, I’m in good shape. Any less, and the fatigue hits hard. It’s not just the lack of sleep; it’s the continual grind, getting up every two hours when every part of you wants to stay put.
There are four of us on board, rotating shifts. The confined space can feel oppressive, and sometimes I feel I’ve got mild PTSD from this cabin. But the shared experience brings us closer, and the camaraderie is a huge support.
What I wasn’t expecting
I knew it would be hard, but you never really know how hard until you’re in the thick of it. Physically, it’s tough, but manageable. Mentally, though, it’s another story. The oppressive nature of being stuck in a small space, repeating the same actions every two hours for 40 days, is a challenge like nothing I’ve faced before. Most days I move from the rowing seat to my small bunk, back and forth in relentless heat – sometimes up to 35 degrees. It all adds up to a level of fatigue and discomfort I never anticipated.
The vastness of the Atlantic is surreal. At times, the nearest point of civilisation is the International Space Station rather than any landmass. Night-time is especially beautiful – millions of stars, the Milky Way bright above us, no light pollution at all. It’s a reminder of just how remote and unique this challenge is.
Charity: Our greatest motivation
Motivation comes from breaking the challenge into small, manageable chunks. I try not to think about the entire 40 days but, instead, focus on just the next two hours. Routine helps, but what truly keeps me going is remembering the reason we’re out here: we’re rowing to raise money for charities that mean a great deal to each of us. For me, causes like motor neurone disease and the My Name’s Doddy Foundation are deeply personal, and holding on to that sense of purpose helps me push through the toughest moments. I’m constantly aware of how lucky I am to be able to take on this challenge, knowing that many people are fighting daily battles that are far more relentless and long-lasting than anything we face on the ocean.
Keeping morale high
Sometimes it’s the smallest things that make the biggest difference – a piece of chocolate, a favourite song, a joke shared among the crew. We’ve probably exhausted every “top five” debate in history! Understanding when someone needs space, and when they need a hand, is vital. Music and games help break the monotony.
Our team is also incredibly supportive. If someone is struggling, we don’t hesitate to have a quick meeting, talk it through and move forward together. Open, honest communication is essential to keeping morale high.
Surprises and reflections
What surprised me most is how quickly you adapt. Back home, the thought of wearing the same clothes for two weeks is unthinkable. Out here, it’s just normal. It’s been a reminder of how much our environment shapes our priorities and what we consider essential.
The mental challenge far outweighs the physical. I’ve discovered that, with the right mindset, you can endure much more than you think. It’s made me reflect on the importance of spending time with the people who matter most. This experience has shown me how easy it is to take loved ones for granted, and I’m determined to change that when I return.
Lessons from Cambridge Judge
My time at Cambridge Judge has definitely helped me here. The electives, for example, enabled me to broaden my experiences and focus on subjects I was particularly interested in. They were a real eye-opener, especially coming straight from a rugby career. I learned to be open-minded, to listen and to value different perspectives. Those lessons have been invaluable on this boat – sometimes you need to be direct, sometimes supportive and sometimes just a good listener.
The human psychology sessions with Simon Learmont (Associate Professor in Corporate Governance at Cambridge Judge) and Mark de Rond taught me that the same problem can need a different solution depending on the day and the people involved – different strokes for different folks. That’s something I’ve tried to put into practice, both here and in life.
What I hope to achieve
We’ve just passed the £1 million mark in fundraising, which is a huge milestone. Beyond that, I want to inspire my children and others to embrace adventure and challenge. Life can get too comfortable, too sedentary. The art of exploration is being lost, and I hope our journey encourages others to take a leap, even if they’re not sure how it will turn out.
Personally, I want to acknowledge what hard work can achieve and encourage others to do the same. We’re not always good at congratulating ourselves in the UK, but I think we should be proud of what we’ve accomplished, both on and off the boat.
Final thoughts
This journey has been extraordinary – more challenging and more rewarding than I ever imagined. I’m grateful for the support, the lessons learned and the chance to contribute to causes that matter. I hope our story inspires others to take on their own adventures and support those in need.
Thank you for following our journey.
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