A Chamonix-based mountain guide, Stuart Macdonald, 51, will embark on what he describes as “the challenge of a lifetime” next January, rowing solo across the Atlantic Ocean from Portugal to French Guiana.
The former soldier will spend between 60 and 90 days alone at sea, covering approximately 6,000 kilometres in a specially designed ocean-rowing boat.
The route Stuart has chosen is one of the toughest Atlantic crossings attempted by solo rowers. Unlike the more popular Canary Islands to Caribbean route used by most Atlantic rowers, Stuart’s journey begins off the coast of Portugal and finishes in French Guiana, requiring him to contend with challenging weather systems, powerful ocean currents and the difficult conditions created by the Amazon River’s vast outflow into the Atlantic.
“Adventure has always been about pushing beyond perceived limits,” says Stuart. “This row combines everything I value: challenge, preparation, resilience and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference for causes that matter deeply to me. It will undoubtedly be the hardest thing I have ever done, but that’s exactly why it’s worth doing. After 35 years of alpine mountaineering, I still love adventure, but I wanted one in a different environment.”
For up to three months, Stuart will be entirely self-sufficient. He will row for as much as 18 hours each day, surviving on freeze-dried meals and snacks while producing his own drinking water using a solar-powered desalination system. There will be no support boat and no other crew on board.
Training on Lake Geneva
Supporters will be able to follow the expedition in real time through daily updates, photographs and position reports sent via Starlink satellite communications (Facebook: Summit to Sea Challenge / Instagram: @summittoseachallenge ).
However, the challenge comes with a significant personal and financial commitment.
The expedition is expected to cost approximately £100,000, covering safety equipment, training, logistics and communications systems. In addition, Stuart will sacrifice his normal winter guiding season in Chamonix in order to complete the challenge and prepare for the crossing.
“People often ask whether the cost is worth it,” says Stuart. “The expedition is expensive and I’ll lose a season of work while I’m away. But if we can raise significant funds for two fantastic charities and inspire people to pursue their own challenges, then I believe it will be money incredibly well spent.”
The expedition aims to raise funds and awareness for Pancreatic Cancer UK and the Martin Moran Foundation, which provides life-changing mountain experiences for disadvantaged young people.
Stuart Macdonald
Having spent much of his life operating in demanding environments, Stuart brings together military planning, expedition leadership and decades of mountain experience. Based in the Chamonix Valley in the French Alps, he guides off-piste skiing and ski touring during winter and alpine mountaineering expeditions throughout the summer.
Stuart is currently seeking both individual supporters and corporate sponsors (email: [email protected]) to help make the challenge possible.
People can support the project and donate to the associated charities through the expedition website. Businesses interested in sponsorship opportunities are invited to contact Stuart directly to discuss partnership packages and promotional opportunities linked to the expedition.