Rugby fan to row across the Atlantic to raise Foundation funds

Rugby fan Tim Stone will row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean to help raise money for the Exeter Chiefs Foundation.

Stone, who lives on the eastern edge of Dartmoor and is a former Royal Marine and rugby player, will be one of a four-man crew, called Give Us A Wave, that are taking part in what is known as the World’s Toughest Row.

The race attracts teams from around the world. It will start in December 2025 from San Sebastian de la Gomera in the Canary Islands and will finish in Nelson’s Dockyard in Antigua.

Boats can be rowed solo, as a pair or as a four, but whatever the formation, there is no engine, no sails and no outside assistance. All food is carried on board, but there is no toilet. Crews tend to share two-hour shifts throughout the day and night.

The record for the World’s Toughest Row is 29 days, 14 hours and 34 minutes, so the Give Us A Wave rowers will spend Christmas and New Year in the Atlantic as well as experiencing extreme heat, cold night shifts, waves that can reach 20ft high, plus an average 8kg weight loss and many, many blisters.

The Give Us A Wave crew dropped into Sandy Park ahead of the Exeter Chiefs v Northampton Saints game to showcase their boat and to raise funds for the Foundation.

The oldest member of the crew, Stone said: “Rowing across an ocean is a test of resilience, endurance, and teamwork, but for us, it’s about more than reaching the finish line, it’s about raising awareness and funds for causes that change lives. I have chosen the Exeter Chiefs Foundation because we will be raising funds to support local charities and strengthen communities.”

Supporters of the Give Us A Wave crew’s efforts can also support the crew with donations here.