From Poole Harbour to the Atlantic: Jenna Vincent’s Journey with Just Row With It

For most people, the thought of rowing across the Atlantic Ocean feels out of reach, an adventure reserved for extreme explorers, survivalists, or professional athletes. But for Jenna Vincent, one-third of the all-female rowing team Just Row With It, the dream began in a very different place: Poole Harbour.

Growing up surrounded by the sea, Jenna’s connection to the water has always been second nature. She can’t quite recall her very first time sailing; it feels like it’s always been there, but what she does remember vividly is the atmosphere of her early days racing dinghies in Poole Harbour. “What really stands out for me is the community behind club racing. Those early days taught me so much about teamwork, perseverance, and just the pure joy of being on the water.”

That sense of belonging, resilience, and fun has stayed with her ever since, and now, it’s about to be tested on the grandest stage of all: the World’s Toughest Row, a 3,000-mile crossing from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to English Harbour in Antigua.

The idea of rowing an ocean wasn’t entirely new to Jenna. She’d always been aware of it, though in her mind it seemed almost impossible, something that belonged to another world. “It just sounded so extreme. Very few people ever attempt it. It was inspiring, but it wasn’t something I thought I could do.”

That changed in 2020, when Jasmine Harrison became the youngest solo female to row the Atlantic. At the time, Jasmine was only a few weeks older than Jenna. For Jenna, following her 70-day journey across the ocean was transformative.

“There was something incredibly powerful about seeing someone so close to my age take on something so bold and succeed. It made me realise that this challenge wasn’t just for elite athletes or adventurers. It was possible, if I was determined enough. From that moment, I couldn’t stop thinking about it.”

That spark became an obsession, and soon after, Jenna found herself actively exploring how to get involved in ocean rowing. That’s where Just Row With It began.

The trio’s story is as modern as it is adventurous. Liv and Meg first met at university through rowing. Jenna, meanwhile, came across a post on Explorers Connect while travelling. Something about it immediately struck a chord. “We jumped on a call, connected instantly, and the rest is history!”

Though they came together from different corners of life, the bond was instant. “We’re set to be the youngest female trio ever to row the Atlantic. That’s a huge part of what makes us unique. We come from different backgrounds and found each other in different ways, but we’re united by the same drive to take on something extraordinary. There’s a really strong mix of adventure, determination, and just saying yes to the unknown that brought us together.”

It’s this chemistry that Jenna believes will get them across the ocean. The Atlantic is unforgiving. It will test every crack in a team dynamic. But for Jenna, the connection between them is their greatest strength.

Her account of Rockley is marked by a genuine respect for the experiences that shaped her both on and off the water.

“Rockley has played a huge role in shaping both who I am on the water and how I approach challenges off it. Completing my instructor qualifications there, and later teaching, gave me so much more than just technical skills. It taught me how to stay calm under pressure, how to think clearly when situations change quickly, and how to work as part of a tight-knit team.”

Those lessons are ones she’ll be leaning on during every mile of the row. Life on a tiny boat in the middle of the ocean requires teamwork, communication, and resilience in spades, all qualities honed during her teaching seasons at Rockley.

She also remembers the sense of inspiration she gained from being part of the Rockley community: “Being surrounded by such knowledgeable, passionate people made me take watersports seriously, not just as a hobby but as something I wanted to build my life around. Rockley helped me grow in confidence, take on leadership roles, and learn how to inspire others, especially younger sailors.”

So, to have Rockley on board now as a sponsor feels particularly special. “It’s such a full-circle moment. I still remember being about eight years old and sailing my first centre main-sheet boat at Rockley, it felt like such a big deal at the time. To now have them backing me for something as huge as the World’s Toughest Row is surreal. I’m so proud to have them on board (quite literally!).”

Rockley’s founder, Peter Gordon, couldn’t be prouder to see Jenna taking on such a bold challenge, even if he admits it’s not exactly his cup of tea:

“Really excited to watch Jenna achieve her dream of rowing across the Atlantic. Like I said, her dream… it’s not mine, but when you see young people pushing the boundaries, it is great to be able to help them achieve that while following their progress from an armchair. In front of a fire. With dog in your lap. Sipping hot chocolate. Go Jenna!”

Preparing for a challenge of this scale is more than just fitness. Jenna laughs when she says logistics have been the toughest part of all. “Organising a campaign of this scale has been a massive learning curve for all of us. None of us had done anything like this before, and it’s basically like running a small business while also training for an extreme endurance event, all while managing full-time jobs.”

On top of sponsorships, safety requirements, and endless equipment checklists, there’s the training itself. Physically, Jenna and her teammates spend hours on rowing machines and in the gym, building strength and stamina to endure the relentless two-hour rowing shifts they’ll face at sea. Once the boat arrives in Poole, they’ll be training on the water as much as possible, learning to row through pain, discomfort, and unpredictable conditions.

But equally important is the mental training. “This row isn’t just a fitness challenge. It’s a huge test of resilience. We’re working on team communication, mindset, and managing fatigue. Staying calm and supportive when you’re exhausted and sleep-deprived is just as important as rowing power.”

So, what does 3,000 miles of rowing look like in practice? Cramped, salty, sleep-deprived, and unforgettable.

The team will row in a punishing routine of two hours on, two hours off, day and night, for the entire crossing. Meals will be freeze-dried packets heated on a small jet boil. Water will come from a desalination pump. Privacy will be non-existent, and the “bathroom” is nothing more than a bucket.

There will be storms, there will be exhaustion, there will be salt sores, and maybe even the occasional marlin strike. But there will also be magic: dolphins racing alongside the boat, flying fish skimming the waves, the stillness of a night at sea, and skies full of stars undimmed by city lights.

“I’m so excited to leave the noise of everyday life behind, no emails, no notifications, just the open ocean. I can’t wait to see the wildlife, the sunrises, the sunsets. It’s going to be tough, of course, but it’s also going to be unforgettable.”

As for her biggest fear? Jenna grins: “Honestly? The toilet situation. Using a bucket in big waves while exhausted, it’s not glamorous!”

For Jenna, the row is about more than just crossing an ocean. It’s about showing others, especially young girls, that adventure doesn’t have to feel out of reach.

“I hope our journey shows that with determination and passion, you can take on challenges that seem impossible. For young girls especially, I want to inspire them to get out there, try new things, and discover the joy and freedom of watersports. If our story encourages even one person to pick up a paddle, jump in a boat, or chase their own adventure, then it’s already a success.”

The very first things on Jenna’s list after stepping onto land in Antigua are simple: “Rum punches are non-negotiable!” she laughs. A proper shower, real food, and plenty of rest will follow, she already has her heart set on a big steak, chips, and a mountain of fresh vegetables.

But rest assured, this won’t be the end of Jenna’s adventures. “There’s something addictive about adventure, and I don’t think I’m done with that feeling yet. The Arctic might be next…”

The World’s Toughest Row begins soon, and with Rockley proudly backing Jenna and her teammates at Just Row With It, we can’t wait to cheer them on as they push off into one of the most extraordinary challenges on the planet.