MEET THE OCEAN SHEROES
IN MAY 2021, THE OCEAN SHEROES WILL BE TAKING PART IN THE GREAT PACIFIC RACE, A 2,700 MILE ROW ACROSS THE PACIFIC OCEAN, FROM SAN FRANCISCO TO HAWAII. THIS INSPIRING, 4-WOMAN TEAM AIM TO CROSS THE OCEAN IN RECORD TIME, WHILST RAISING MONEY FOR THE SEABIN PROJECT – A DYNAMIC ORGANISATION PROVIDING PRACTICAL AND TANGIBLE SOLUTIONS TO REDUCE PLASTIC FOUND IN THE WORLD’S OCEANS.
As travellers, we are all familiar with the oceans. We traverse the globe in search of their wildness and their wildlife – whether above, beside, or below the waves. But rowing across the mighty Pacific Ocean in a small craft and experiencing the full force of the wind, waves and tides brings a new intimacy to the human-ocean relationship. Later this month, four remarkable women (Bella Collins, Mary Sutherland, Purusha Gordon and Lily Lower) will set out from San Francisco, bound for the Hawaiian Islands, in a race that only 60 people have ever completed.
Working with a network of change-makers to create a positive impact for people and planet, the ‘Ocean Sheroes’ are raising money in support of the Seabin Project, who are on a mission to help restore the world’s oceans by collecting waste from marina ports, and facilitate community activation, education programs, data collection and scientific research. We spoke to Bella, one of the Ocean Sheroes about their incredible feat…
How do you go about building a team for something like this, and how do you go about fundraising?
The first thing about building a team for an ocean crossing is ensuring a person is fully committed. The campaign and training leading up to the row is a huge commitment of time for 18 months to 2 years before, so you have to be prepared to dedicate it alongside side your day job. You also need to ensure, as a team, that your values are aligned and that you understand everyone’s “why”.
The fundraising is also a challenge in itself, every team takes this on differently. In a normal world, you can fund-raise through speaking engagements, visiting schools and having big events, however Covid has prevented this. So we’ve really thrown ourselves onto social media to drive interest and engagement through this digital channel. We’re trying to raise £60k - so have little way to go yet!
What made you choose the Seabin Project as your chosen charity?
We were made aware of the Seabin Project through one of our key sponsors and were immediately inspired by what they are trying to achieve. Alongside trying to clean up our oceans through placing bins in marinas and ports, they are also hugely proactive in preventative measures including research and education. Their motto is “A world where Seabins don’t need to exist”.
What’s your personal experience of the health of the oceans?
I visited Haiti in 2018 with my family and saw first hand the devastation that plastic pollution was having on our marine landscapes. Their rivers and coastline were destroyed with layers of thick plastic, they were burning it in plots of land in the middle of towns and struggling to keep up with the vast amounts of waste coming from imported products that the country has become reliant on. It was sad to see. It made me realise that here in the UK, we’re probably producing ten times more waste than households in Haiti, but we’re fortunate that our streets are being cleaned up. We’re just not aware where’s it going and the impact of that on our planet.
Seabin aside, has your sustainability journey led you to other companies who are also doing good things for the oceans?
We’ve worked really hard to find partners and sponsors who’s values align with ours and it’s been inspiring to meet the people and brands who are trying to make a change to the world. From DAME who are bringing periods into the 21st century and MyPura who are plastic-free, flushable wet wipes to the Thakeham Group who are building developments with sustainability at their core. They really reinforce the importance on focussing on upstream innovation and solutions, rather than dwell on the problem.
One of your philosophies is positivity, what are you looking forward to most about the race?
Yes - a positive and growth mindset is one of our core values. I’m really looking forward to creating lifelong memories as a team, switching off from digital channels and soaking up the raw beauty of the mid-Pacific and all its wildlife. Even though at the times it will be mentally challenging being at sea for so long - it can feel never ending - I will remind myself how lucky I am to see this part of the world that so few get to see.
What do you know will be a challenge?
The shift pattern of 2 hours on, 2 hours off is incredibly tough - you are sleep deprived and exhausted and that takes it’s toll. Also the aches and pains from the physical challenge are tough. From bum sores, to muscle ache and knocks from the oars, your body does get a bit of battering!
Tell us your most memorable marine animal encounter?
This is an easy one - swimming with whale sharks in Baja California. These gentle giants are mind-blowing and swimming along side one is truly humbling. The whole Baja peninsula is incredible, home to the biggest array of marine life, stunning landscapes and fascinating culture.
How can members of The Conscious Travel Foundation find out more and donate?
You can head to oceansheroes.com where there is more information about the race, our campaign and charity with a donate button. You can also follow our journey on Facebook and Instagram at @oceansheroes
