Rowing the Atlantic

Yangebup Primary School teacher, Laura Lilly, embodies the adage that courage is not the absence of fear.

Just 18 months ago, she had never rowed. But this December, with a crew of three other women, Miss Lilly will be part of a team rowing 4,800 kilometres across the Atlantic Ocean in 45 days.  

Appropriately, the race is called The World’s Toughest Row. A driving factor for crew members to compete is encouraging and supporting more girls and women to get involved in adventure sports. 

But Miss Lilly is facing her task with a calmness that she attributes to the way which she has approached the challenge to her teaching work. 

“As an educator, we know that progress isn’t linear and that some days you feel like you’re going backward,” she said. 

“That teacher mindset of trust the process, keep showing up, is invaluable.” 

Miss Lilly's fears have evolved with her training. Initial concerns about large sea creatures, waves capsizing the boat and large ships, have all been mitigated through extensive training and planning.  

A self-righting boat named Salti and sonar equipment will keep the crew safe from unexpected whales, waves and ships. 

The two hours on, two hours off roster remains a concern though.  

Sleep deprivation is inevitable and Miss Lilly will face that challenge with her personal and classroom motto, “you can do anything you put your mind to.” 

Former students of Miss Lilly in Meekatharra were so inspired by the upcoming adventure that they raised $1,500 for the quest via a cupcake stall. 

Miss Lilly was herself inspired by one of her primary school teachers, Miss Sandal-Baker.  

Miss Sandal-Baker's can-do approach and obsession with adventurous activities made an impression. Ever since, Miss Lilly has been partial to an adventure, from leaving her home in England to teach in outback Australia, to kitesurfing and now racing 29 other teams across one of the most difficult stretches of ocean.

Miss Lilly’s fellow Team Blades of Oary crew members include a Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) nurse, an occupational therapist and a winch operator for Marine Rescue Western Australia. 

The crew has already raised more than $178,500 in sponsorship and still seek in-kind support and additional partners for their remarkable journey.  

All funds raised will be donated to the RFDS and Ruah Community Services.  

Miss Lilly and her crew recently participated in an incursion to Yangebup Primary School. It included an assembly introduction to how a growth mindset can help students achieve difficult challenges, a how to row in time workshop and the opportunity to view and touch the equipment the women will need. 

Learn more about The World’s Toughest Row through its website.

Find out more about Miss Lilly and Team Blades of Oary from its website.