From scaffolds to the sea: Gary Hutchings’ solo row across the Atlantic for charity

28 February 2025

Gary Hutchings, a scaffolder from North Devon, is currently rowing solo across the Atlantic Ocean from Lanzarote to Antigua, to raise funds for My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, as well as the Motor Neuron Disease Association and Devon Air Ambulance Trust. 

Coined The Atlantic Dash, this challenge sees participants embark on a 3,200 mile (5,000km) journey to row across the Atlantic Ocean, starting at Marina Rubicón on the volcanic island of Lanzarote, and finishing at Jolly Harbour on the west coast of Antigua.

After storm weather delayed the initial start date, Gary and the other crews set off from Lanzarote on 1 February. Gary is the only one rowing this year’s Atlantic Dash solo and he is committed to completing this challenge within 60 days. Having completed three weeks at sea already in a R25 rowing boat named Polly Anne, Gary’s voyage is expected to take another four weeks and his estimated arrival date into Antigua, at this moment in time, is set for 21 March.

As a passionate adventurer, what began as a search for a new challenge for Gary has now turned into a monumental mission to raise funds for charity, which has consisted of two years of intensive training.

But whilst this is a rowing challenge, rugby is Gary’s first love. After many years of playing for Ilfracombe Rugby Club, Gary continues to follow rugby on a national and international level and has been lucky enough to meet some of his rugby idols on more than one occasion. This, combined with the fact that motor neuron disease (MND) is a cause close to Gary’s heart, has driven him to raise as much money as possible for MND charities - not only to support those living with the disease, but also to fund vital research into treatments, and ultimately, work towards finding a cure.

Gary has self-funded his Atlantic Dash challenge, and is hoping to raise £100,000 for his chosen charities. You can support his efforts and donate to his fundraising page by clicking here.

You can follow Gary's progress on social media here.