147. Zara Lachlan: One Woman’s Journey Rowing Across an Ocean

Sue Stockdale welcomes Zara Lachlan, who shares her extraordinary experience of rowing solo across the Atlantic from mainland Europe to South America, covering over 3,500 nautical miles in 97 days. Despite overcoming many challenges as well as mental and physical hurdles during her voyage, Zara highlights the importance of resilience, self-belief, and the power of support from loved ones.

About Zara Lachlan
Zara Lachlan is a 21-year-old physics student at Loughborough University who is joining the army in September 2025 as a technical officer. She has competed internationally in cycling and rowing which she started at 16 at Welbeck, the Army’s 6th Form College. Zara heard about ocean rowing when she was much younger but only decided to take on this challenge last summer, and the first time she ever saw an ocean rowing boat was in August.Two and a half months of intensive training later, she was fully prepared to row across the Atlantic solo.

Zara faced extreme weather leading to a capsize, orcas and sharks, and a near miss with a large ship, yet still describes her expedition as the most enjoyable and rewarding experience she has come across so far. Zara set out to encourage others to find a fun way to keep fit and healthy and gain the confidence needed to try something new. None of her crossing would have been possible without the support she got from the charity Team Forces and all her sponsors.

Connect with Zara Lachlan via Instagram 

Key Quotes

• "I didn’t have a big reason to row across an ocean, I just thought it would be fun."
• "Some days, I rowed for 21 hours, and it still wasn’t enough. That was a hard lesson in learning to accept what’s out of my control."
• "For almost 60 days, I had no music, no distractions, just the ocean, the wildlife, and my own thoughts."
• "The hardest part wasn’t the physical challenge. It was waking up every day knowing I had 3,000 miles left to go."
• "Nine times out of ten, you’re stronger than you think you are. The only way to find out is to go for it."

Time Stamps
(02:42) The Impulse to Row Across the Atlantic
(04:28) Competitive Spirit and Family Influence
(06:42) Preparing for the Atlantic Row
(09:37) Life on the Ocean
(13:56) Encounters with Marine Life
(19:59) Mental and Physical Resilience
(23:09) Returning to Land and Future Plans


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Producer: Sue Stockdale  
Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra 

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