The "Summit to Sea Challenge" is a solo, unsupported ocean row that will test human endurance and resilience to the limit.
Starting in January 2027, Stuart Macdonald, IFMGA Mountain guide and lifetime adventurer, will take on the toughest challenge of his life, whilst at the same time raising funds for two charities close to his heart, Pancreatic Cancer UK and the Martin Moran Foundation.
Watch Stuart explain the challenge, the training he is doing and the charities he is supporting in this video.
Watch my Video hereThis is not just an ocean crossing. It’s a platform for storytelling, brand alignment, and public engagement.
Read more about the sponsorship opportunities and structure ranging from Title Sponsorship through to Individual Supporters by clicking on the button below.
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Stuart will be swapping the high mountains for the ocean in an attempt to break the current 96 day record for an unsupported solo row from Europe to South America in what will be the toughest challenge of his life.
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Stuart will be rowing a boat manufactured in UK by Rannoch, the world leaders in Ocean Rowing Boats. A self righting design, manufactured from carbon and composites, fitted with advanced navigational aids and communication equipment.
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Starting from Portugal, Stuart will row the Atlantic to French Guyana in South America. The 6000 km journey will take 2-3 months. Extreme weather, huge waves and even sharks will be just some of the challenges along the way.
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The budget for the trip is around £100,000, including the cost of the boat. Coaching, courses, training on the boat, food, shipping, travel, communications equipment and safety gear are just some of the things I have to pay for. If you are able to support the campaign, then please make a donation here
Donate to the Challenge
This charity is involved in research, care and advice for those suffering from pancreatic cancer. Most people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer are dead within a year. Earlier diagnosis would give more precious time with friends and family, and could even allow treatment to cure victims.
Donate to the Charity
The Foundation takes young people who would not otherwise have the opportunity and gives them fully funded mountain adventures. Martin was a mentor to me and many others when training as a Guide so I hope this will, in a small way, give something back to him
Donate to the CharityI want you to join me on this journey. Follow me as I prepare physically, mentally, and technically for this challenge. During the crossing I will be sending regular updates to this website and social media covering all the highs and the lows.
The links to my social media feeds are in the header to this page and you can read my latest news below. Once the row starts you will also be able to track my progress on a regularly updated map.
Stuart Macdonald answers your questions as to how the Summit to Sea Challenge originated, how it will be conducted, and what it is seeking to achieve.
Stuart is delighted to release details of the sponsorship opportunities linked to the Summit to Sea Challenge
Stuart has recently taken delivery of a Rannoch ocean rowing boat specifically designed for solo rowers.
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I first discovered the outdoors with youth groups as a teenager. Hiking and camping trips lead to rock climbing, and by the age of 17 I was climbing in the Alps.
