Summit to Sea Challenge

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, IFGMA 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.

Please scroll down to find out more about the challenge, the charities being supported and how you can follow Stuart's journey.

Sponsorship Opportunities

This 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.

Sponsorship Proposal

The Challenge

One man
One man

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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One Boat
One Boat

Stuart will be rowing a Rannoch 10 Solo, a small, lively, fast boat, with an Atlantic record breaking pedigree. Fully fitted with all the latest safety features and equipment, the boat is perfect for undertaking solo ocean crossings.

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One Ocean
One Ocean

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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Funding & Supported Charities

Funding the Challenge
Funding the Challenge

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
Pancreatic Cancer UK
Pancreatic Cancer UK

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
Martin Moran Foundation
Martin Moran Foundation

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 Charity

Join me on the journey

I 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.

Summit to Sea Challenge News

What is "Summit to Sea Challenge"?
What is "Summit to Sea Challenge"?

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.

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Sponsorship Proposal Launched
Sponsorship Proposal Launched

Stuart is delighted to release details of the sponsorship opportunities linked to the Summit to Sea Challenge

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Boat purchased for the challenge
Boat purchased for the challenge

Stuart has recently taken delivery of a Rannoch 10 Solo, the ocean rowing boat he will use for the Challenge

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Summit to Sea Challenge Sponsors

Tailwind Nutrition - Equipment Sponsor
Tailwind Nutrition - Equipment Sponsor

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Eyes Up - Equipment Sponsor
Eyes Up - Equipment Sponsor

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