Three Scottish women are preparing to take on the challenge of a lifetime: rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean to show that ordinary people really can achieve extraordinary things - all while raising vital funds for The Archie Foundation.
Physiotherapists Ellen Clark and Lauren Wilde-Arnold and doctor Jenna Volpert met whilst sharing a flat in Dundee and quickly discovered a shared appetite for adventure.
Now, as Saltire Tides, they have signed up for the World’s Toughest Row, a formidable 3,000-mile journey from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua.
Along the way, they will face towering 40-foot waves, unpredictable weather, sleep deprivation and the inevitable salt sores, all while taking turns rowing two to three hours at a time, around the clock.
While no strangers to endurance challenges - all three completed triathlons last year - this will be their toughest test yet.
Jenna is an avid cyclist who has already crossed parts of three continents, Lauren completed a gruelling five-day ultramarathon in the Jordanian desert and Ellen has competed at national level in dinghy sailing. Even so, the Atlantic promises a challenge like no other.
The Saltire Tides team, Ellen Clark, Lauren Wilde-Arnold and Jenna Volpert.
As they prepare, Saltire Tides are seeking community support through individual and business sponsorship, helping to fund their boat, equipment and training.
Once the race is complete, the boat and equipment will be sold, with proceeds going to The Archie Foundation to support babies, children and families across Scotland.
Their fundraising journey began with a 14-hour festive rowing marathon at Ninewells Hospital, raising £1,500 in a powerful test of endurance, teamwork and determination.
“Taking on this challenge is our way of encouraging others to push their boundaries, say “yes” to opportunities, and show that with determination, ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things,” said Ellen.
“We wanted to fundraise as part of this experience and the choice of Archie felt natural as we all work in healthcare. Jenna is training to be a paediatric surgeon in Edinburgh and Lauren and I have worked often with children. We’ve all seen the benefits that Archie has brought to children and their families, and the massive impact through the creation of child-friendly hospital spaces and facilities when they’re needed most.”
The idea for the Atlantic row was first sparked by Jenna, inspired by her father’s stories of sailing across the ocean. When her original team fell through, it didn’t take much convincing for her flatmates to step forward.
“I guess it stems from the fact that all of us have a strong belief in self-powered human potential, so we’re hoping that we can really inspire other people to say yes to and take on challenges that come their way - so with that in mind there was really no good reason why the three of us shouldn’t row across the Atlantic.”
The Saltire Tides team, Ellen Clark, Lauren Wilde-Arnold and Jenna Volpert.
The race will begin on December 12, 2026, when weather conditions are most favourable. With more than 30 teams competing, Saltire Tides have set themselves an ambitious goal of completing the crossing in under 40 days, rowing continuously in carefully planned rotas.
In the lead-up to the race, the team is undertaking an intensive training programme including rowing, strength work, running, cycling and - once the boat arrives and conditions allow - extensive time on the water. They will also complete mandatory safety and navigation training, including first aid, VHF radio use and rules of the sea.
The race itself will be completely unsupported. Apart from satellite contact with race organisers, they will rely entirely on themselves, carrying everything they need from the start, including a mandatory 60 days’ worth of food.
Rebecca Duncan, business development and fundraising manager for Archie in Tayside, said: “This is a truly inspirational challenge that the team is taking on and we will be following Ellen, Lauren and Jenna’s progress during the trip. The fundraising goal they have set is outstanding and everything they raise will make an incredible difference to the services and support we provide for children and their families across Tayside and the North of Scotland.”
The Archie Foundation has helped children and families across the north of Scotland for 25 years, funding specialist roles and projects at Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital and, more recently, at Highland Children’s Unit, Tayside Children’s Hospital and Dr Gray’s Hospital, Elgin.
For more information on the financial and emotional support the charity provides to families, visit www.archie.org
To find out how you can support Saltire Tides on this incredible fundraising journey, visit www.saltiretides.co.uk, follow their adventure on social media by searching Saltire Tides, or get in touch directly at saltiretides@gmail.com.