Wolfson College Boatman Completes Record-Breaking Atlantic Crossing

Jim Ronaldson has served the Wolfson College Boat Club as a talented and loyal boatman for more than 30 years. Inspired to act by the devastating impact of the pandemic on young mental health, Jim teamed up with fellow rower Ian Davies to take on the "world’s toughest row" to raise funds for Papyrus, which works to prevent suicide amongst young people. Ian raised funds for Myeloma UK.

Setting off from San Sebastian, La Gomera in the Canary Islands on 13 December 2023, Jim and Ian faced a daunting 4,800km race, featuring waves of up to 6 metres, 30-degree heat, and the possibility of sleep deprivation and hallucinations, all while burning 5,000 calories a day. They completed the crossing in 66 days, 17 hours and 22 minutes, making land at Antigua on 18 February.

Mr Ronaldson said: “It was an amazing experience and I don’t think it’s sunk in yet and it will not sink in for a while. The world’s toughest row gives ordinary people the chance to live their dream and it’s amazing.”

With a combined age of 132 years and 48 days, Jim and Ian now hold the world record for the oldest men’s pair to row any ocean. They have so far raised over £25,000 for their chosen charities, and their GoFundMe page is still accepting donations.

Image: L-R: Teammates Ian Davies and Jim Ronaldson at the finish line in Antigua (Photo: World's Toughest Row)