Bannockburn pilates teacher Sabrina Simpson’s start to 2025 is one she will never forget – spending it on the open seas as part of a gruelling 49 day effort to row the Atlantic Ocean.
The 45-year-old took on the World’s Toughest Row challenge alongside German partner Gregor Wacker, setting themselves the task of navigating their boat from the waters off the coast of the Canary Islands all the way to Antigua in the Caribbean.
After taking on the ultimate test in physical and mental toughness – which saw Sabrina and Gregor spend one hour off, one hour on for almost the entirety of their effort – they rolled into the finish line at English Harbour on January 12.
They had set off from the start line at La Gomera on December 11, living the most memorable Christmases and New Years as they aimed to satisfy a dream – and pay off almost three years of punishing training.
Speaking to the Observer from Amsterdam as she made her way back from Antigua, Sabrina said: “It was just so overwhelming because for close to 50 days, you go without seeing anyone and then as soon as you see the finish line, the noise is so intense.
“We didn’t have a single boat come up on our radar for the whole journey and then you have the yachts sounding their horns and everyone in the restaurant on the marina cheering – it was 8.30pm when we got in so it was just so many people.
“Thinking back on it, it was everything I imagined it would be; there was the bad weather, the wildlife sightings on the way and the physical effort of it all.
“Everyone has asked me since I’ve finished whether I would do it again but I think I would hate to do that because it might ruin the memories I’ve had from the race this year which were just perfect.”
The duo linked up after a previous arrangement for Sabrina to row as part of a quartet of women from Scotland fell through.
But the combination flowed perfectly and Sabrina emphasised the emotions she faced as she finally hit the finishing point.
She added: “Gregor and I only really met last year, but it worked because our personalities were similar – we had lots of laughs along the way and even though it seemed to rain constantly for those last few days, it didn’t affect the spirits.
“It’s mixed emotions now that it’s done really, excitement in that we’ve achieved what we spent three years training for but also sad that we’re done because of the effort you put into it.”
The pair raised money for causes in Canada, Germany and the UK – the UK charity being Forth Valley-based The Polar Academy, which works with kids struggling with disadvantages or mental health challenges by helping them embark on a life-changing journey to Greenland.
Sabrina – who runs sessions at the PEAK in Stirling – also praised the level of backing she received from people back home as friends and clients from her classes kept an eye on the pair’s progress over the rough seas.
“There have been so many people following from Stirling which has been really nice, a lot of them have seen me down at the hyperbaric chamber or whatever preparing, so it will be nice to let them know I’ve completed it.
“I don’t know what the plan is next – I’ve emptied my savings so building up the bank balance will be first I suppose!
“I’ve got some business stuff I want to get done and then I’m looking forward to more big adventures in the future.”