21-year-old Zara Lachlan of Cambridge has begun her record breaking solo and unsupported row across the Atlantic. Having completed her final phase of training in Portugal, Zara departed from Lagos on the Portuguese Algarve today (27th October) at 09:26 UTC.
On completion she will be the first female (and youngest person) to row 3600 nautical miles (4,100 miles) to French Guiana.
The challenge will take approximately 90 days. During the voyage Zara will be rowing up to 20 hours a day and expects to lose a third of her body weight by the time she reaches land.
Zara said that the first section of the challenge is set to be some of the toughest rowing on the trip, adding; “There is no getting away from the first stage of the trip to the Canary Islands which I’m hoping will take me no more than two weeks.
“I’m expecting conditions to be really tough with unpredictable weather; the risk of bumping into Orca, the 11 different species of sharks and marlin that are known to puncture the hulls of small boats; not to mention managing 20ft waves in an 24ft long boat.
“My plan is to row for five hours then sleep for 20 minutes at a time, only breaking this cycle during extreme weather conditions or when I need to clean my boat – something I’m not looking forward to!
“I’m feeling really strong and well-prepared having worked with some of the best ocean rowing coaches in the world including Charlie Pitcher and Lizzie Brown, who has become a second mum to me over the last six months!
“However, I am mindful that I’m doing something incredibly dangerous that hasn’t been attempted by anyone of my age before.”
Zara’s mum, Claire Lachlan, who cried when Zara first talked about the challenge, said; “You are always going to be worried about your children, but rowing an ocean alone takes that to a whole new level.
“Saying that, we couldn’t be prouder of her. Not only has she worked incredibly hard to prepare, but she has the determination and strength of character that is rare and will serve her well when things get tough. We know she can do it.
“Very few seek adventures like this, especially at such a young age. Zara has all the love and support of her family and friends.
“We can’t wait to hug her again when she lands in French Guiana and hear all about her epic journey.”
At the end of her challenge, Zara will be the first woman and youngest person ever to complete any mainland trans-Atlantic crossing and will become a world record holder.
Through this challenge Zara is hoping to inspire women and girls into sport, and she is also planning to host a talk from the ocean for schools across the UK.
“I know it seems like an extreme way to inspire other women to get into fitness, but I want people to realise their potential and, if I can complete this challenge having never rowed on the ocean before, then other women can attempt a challenge of their own, albeit probably not a cross-Atlantic row!”
Having just completed her physics degree at Loughborough University, Zara, will be joining the Army on her return as a technical officer.
She will be raising money for two charities through her record-breaking trip, Team Forces and Women in Sport.
Major General Lamont Kirkland, CEO Team Forces, commented: “Team Forces is delighted to be able to support Zara on her record-breaking expedition attempt.
It’s been incredibly impressive to see the sheer volume of preparation and training that Zara has achieved over the last few months. This, and the fact that her focus has never wavered from the ambitious goal she has set herself, will stand her in good stead during the row as it’s going to be very tough.”
Zara will be carrying 800kg of supplies in her boat including 5,500kcal of meals and snacks per day – which she will be eating cold!
Every two days she will need to descend into the water to clean the underside of the boat and to check for damage.
The only assistance permitted throughout the challenge is meteorological, from onshore weather routers.
Zara added; “While the ocean is a challenging beast, it is also incredibly beautiful and I’m looking forward to witnessing things like the night sky free from light pollution. Even seeing Orcas over the next few days will be fascinating as long as they leave my boat alone!”
To follow Zara’s adventure, visit Zara Lachlan – Team Forces
You can also follow her journey via her Instagram channel here
On successful completion of the challenge, Zara will hold the world records for:
- The youngest person to row solo & unsupported from mainland Europe to mainland south America
- The first female to row mainland Europe to mainland south America solo
- The youngest female to row from any mainland to mainland across the Atlantic solo
ABOUT TEAM FORCES
Team Forces improves the lived experience for the armed forces community through the power of sport, challenge, and adventure. Our initiatives improve health, wellbeing, and recovery by promoting excellence, equality, and inclusion. We help the best get better.
Team Forces is endorsed by the MoD and delivered by Team Forces Funding Ltd in collaboration with Team Forces Foundation (charity number 1144004). For more information, visit teamforces.org
Zara’s Biography
Zara Lachlan is a 21-year-old physics student at Loughborough University who is joining the army in September 2025 as a technical officer.
She has competed internationally in cycling and started rowing at 16 at Welbeck the Army’s 6th Form College.
Zara is a highly determined, tenacious and motivated young woman, and is comfortable pushing her mental and physical boundaries.
She firmly believes that life’s most rewarding moments lie in the challenges we embrace.
PHOTOS: Mark Hayward
