Oceans of experience
Andrew Morris and Roz Savage are both experienced ocean rowers. This puts them in the ideal position to make this difficult attempt on the North Atlantic – knowing how tough life at sea can be, but also knowing that they can manage living in such a small space for weeks on end.
Andrew Morris – Entrepreneur and father of two, Andrew is 47 years old and lives in Nottinghamshire. His business interests are varied and he owns a number of award-winning companies that range across industries as diverse as shipping and iconic motorbike manufacture. He also has a strong interest in motor racing.
Andrew’s first attempt at rowing an ocean back in 2005 ended after just one night at sea. After hitting his head and getting concussion, he was returned to the dry land by the support yacht, crewed by Mick Dawson. Having taken time to recover, Andrew decided to set out again and this time persuaded Mick to join him onboard. Together they successfully rowed the 3,000 miles from La Gomera to Antigua, and developed a unique and lasting bond in the process. These days is Mick is playing a vital role as in house expert and Ocean Rowing Consultant for the OAR.
Roz Savage - is the holder of four world records for ocean rowing and an eminent environmental campaigner who uses ocean rowing to inspire action on the greatest environmental challenges facing the world today. She thought she had retired from ocean rowing, but had also said ‘never say never!’ So when the opportunity to take part in the OAR Project presented itself, the time was right and the pieces of the puzzle all fell into place.
Roz is excited to take on this new challenge – not only of rowing the North Atlantic route, but also as a mixed pair, which will add a whole different dimension to her ocean rowing experience. Roz is also really looking forward to rowing home, and continuing the journey across Britain to arrive in London in time for the Olympic Games.
Andrew and Roz met in 2005 when competing in same ocean rowing race from the Canary Islands to Antigua, albeit in different boats. For both of them, this was their first taste of ocean rowing. Many mistakes were made and lessons learned out in the middle of the Atlantic, but their journeys each sparked a sense of adventure that has remained with them. Together Andrew and Roz form a team with a huge amount of experience, which puts them in an ideal position to make this unique voyage a success.
Behind the scenes, one of the key factors that drives both Andrew and Roz is proving that with hard work, determination and passion, you can achieve your dreams. Both rowers are keen to pass on this ethos to future generations and will be using this row to develop OAR Inspiring, a program for schools and OAR Legacy, a fleet of rowing boats targeted for use by able bodied and disabled young people from deprived areas.
