On December 11 last year, 38 teams departed from the Canary Islands, embarking on a 3,000-mile odyssey across the Atlantic as part of the World’s Toughest Row. Among them, the only New Zealand entrants, husband and wife team, Bob and Nicky Parr, rowing as Glimmering Sea, set out not just to complete the challenge but to make history. Their journey, marked by relentless hardship and inspiring perseverance, fittingly culminated on Valentines Day, 14 February 2025, when they arrived in Antigua after 65 grueling days at sea, officially becoming the oldest mixed pair to row across any ocean. (When they started the race Nicky was 62 while Bob was 67 years old.)
A challenge like no other
Organised by Atlantic Campaigns, the World’s Toughest Row is an extreme endurance event that pushes competitors beyond their physical and mental limits. Participants face everything from unpredictable weather and sleep deprivation to mechanical failures and isolation. While some races in past years have seen record-breaking feats—such as Mark Slats’ astonishing 30-day solo crossing—the 2024/25 edition proved to be a particularly demanding challenge.
For Bob and Nicky, their Atlantic adventure was more than just a race; it was a test of resilience, teamwork, and sheer determination. The couple, originally from the UK but now calling New Zealand home, have spent years living aboard their sailboat. Though seasoned sailors, ocean rowing presented an entirely new set of challenges.
Trials at sea
From the outset, the Glimmering Sea team faced severe obstacles. Strong headwinds and rough seas slowed their progress early on, while power issues caused by Saharan dust interference made navigation even more difficult. The couple had to rely on para anchors and drogues to stabilise their boat in stormy conditions, often losing valuable progress in the process.
Despite these hardships, they steadily climbed the ranks, gaining places in the fleet through sheer endurance. But with over 2,000 nautical miles still to go, the battle was far from over. The relentless movement of the boat, extreme fatigue, and cramped living conditions made each day a struggle. The environment on board became, in their words, “borderline disgusting,” as rationing power and managing unpredictable ocean conditions took its toll.
One of their most significant setbacks was a series of mechanical failures. The couple went through three auto tillers, essential for keeping their boat on course. When their final one failed, they were forced to manually steer for the remainder of the journey—an exhausting challenge that added even more strain to their already depleted energy reserves. Additionally, the Atlantic’s notorious sargassum seaweed frequently entangled their oars, making each stroke more difficult and progress slower.
The mental and emotional battle
Ocean rowing is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one. Sleep deprivation, isolation, and the endless expanse of open water can take a toll on even the most resilient athletes. For Bob and Nicky, their ability to support one another was key to their survival. The experience of spending over two months in a small boat, with no escape from the elements or each other, tested their patience and teamwork.
Throughout their journey, they remained motivated by moments of beauty—the sight of dolphins escorting them through the water, the surreal experience of a pilot whale appearing beside their boat, and the sheer magnificence of sunrises over the Atlantic. These fleeting moments provided much-needed inspiration amid the struggle.
Reflecting on their time at sea, they shared: “We have learned to respect each other’s weaknesses with grace and kindness while acknowledging and rewarding each other’s strengths with gratitude and respect.”
Rowing for a cause
Beyond their personal achievement, Bob and Nicky rowed for a greater purpose—to raise funds and awareness for Pilgrim Bandits, a charity supporting injured servicemen and women. Bob is a patron of the organisation, which was founded by former special forces members in both the UK and New Zealand. Their mantra, “Always a Little Further,” became a guiding principle for the Parrs as they pushed through the toughest moments of their journey.
The endurance event also aligns with a broader mission of conservation and charity, as many teams raise money for various causes while collecting ocean data. Bob and Nicky’s efforts, combined with those of their fellow rowers, have contributed to ongoing research and the protection of marine environments.
Crossing the finish line
On February 14, after 65 days, 12 hours, and 50 minutes at sea, Glimmering Sea arrived in Antigua to a hero’s welcome. Their record-setting achievement as the oldest mixed pair to row an ocean will forever be etched in history. But beyond the statistics, their journey stands as proof of resilience, respect, love, and the unbreakable human spirit.
From battling brutal conditions to navigating unforeseen challenges, Bob and Nicky Parr have proven that age is no barrier to adventure. Their extraordinary accomplishment will undoubtedly inspire future generations of rowers, sailors, and dreamers alike, reminding us all that with determination and heart, even the toughest obstacles can be overcome.
Thank you, Kirsten, for taking the time to think about, research and write up the Parr’s Glimmering Sea Atlantic Crossing campaign. Not every journalist (and these have been vanishingly small in number) has accorded what Nicky and Bob have done with the interest and respect it surely deserves.
Good comment. This story could easily have been lost given the lack of interest in non-professional activities by todays crop of “sports journalists”. Our compliments to the Parr’s.