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Three years ago, Adam Radcliffe left his corporate job to embrace life as a full-time adventurer, but he never imagined he would be rowing across 3,500 nautical miles of one of the world’s most perilous oceans, especially alongside three former Royal Marines and on a boat that had previously been lost at sea.
Their objective is to set a new world record for rowing across the North Atlantic, test their limits, and raise awareness about the mental health challenges faced by veterans.
The British team, “Team United We Conquer,” plans to set off from Liberty Landing, New Jersey, on Thursday, aiming to reach the British Isles of Scilly in less than 43 days, 21 hours, and 26 minutes.
In a conversation with Fox News Digital, Radcliffe and teammate Jack Jarvis mentioned their goal of raising £50,000 (around $67,158) for Head Up, a charity focused on mental health support for the British armed forces community.
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Members of “Team United We Conquer,” Adam Radcliffe, Jack Jarvis, David “Brucey” Bruce, and Sam “Nutty” Edwards, prepare for their Atlantic journey from New York City. (Adam Radcliffe)
Jarvis, a 12-year veteran of the British Army and holder of the world record for solo Atlantic rowing in 111 days, noted that this next challenge comes just months after exiting military service in February. Since transitioning to civilian life, he has felt a “lack of purpose,” but jokingly stated that he doubts he’ll experience the typical isolation many veterans face, given he’ll be on a seven-meter boat with “three other hairy men” for over 40 days.
“Participating in something like this has truly provided me with a sense of purpose and meaning; I feel like I’m doing something valuable with my time and making a difference,” Jarvis expressed to Fox News Digital. “We’re close to the start, but after 40 days of being together, you can ask me again… But I’m sure the best friendships are tested through challenges.”
In contrast, Radcliffe, the only team member without military background, left his engineering job to create adventure content full-time on YouTube. He mentioned that even though he could return to corporate life later, he wonders what he would consider the least cowardly choice when looking back at age 90.
He hopes to convey the message that everyone, whether a veteran or not, struggling with mental health issues can change their surroundings and how they engage with the world, even when it feels impossible or as if they are lost at sea.
“This charity represents taking back control and emphasizing what you can do—such as eating well, exercising, and socializing,” Radcliffe said. “The important thing is to reclaim some power in your life and build momentum again. That message is relevant to anyone, whether they’ve served in the military or not.”
Jack Jarvis and fellow team members row in New York Harbor as they prepare for their North Atlantic journey. (Adam Radcliffe)
Radcliffe and Jarvis will also have Royal Marines veterans David “Brucey” Bruce and Sam “Nutty” Edwards aboard as they aim to return a boat previously left adrift off the African coast in the Canary Islands back to the U.K. The boat had drifted for 11 months across to the Caribbean, where the team found and repaired it in the Bahamas before rowing it to mainland Florida. Now in New York, their next journey is fraught with risk.
While many have successfully crossed the Mid-Atlantic, the North Atlantic is less traveled by solo adventurers and teams. Radcliffe and Jarvis pointed out that people have died attempting this route.
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“Why am I putting my life at risk when it’s unnecessary? I think it’s about seeking that sense of purpose, similar to what motivated me to join the military. If I can channel that into something remarkable and raise considerable funds to support veterans and current military personnel, then why not, especially while I’m still physically able?” Jarvis shared. “Just because I’m not in a corporate role doesn’t mean I shouldn’t be pursuing this. I’m creating my own path and living my life, and that’s my motivation.”
“This challenge has also highlighted the concept of mortality for me. The reason I’m making these choices is that I want to make the most of my potential,” Radcliffe added.
Upon reaching the Isles of Scilly, they plan to continue to Northampton, England, where their journey will conclude.
The current record for the fastest four-person west-to-east row across the North Atlantic is held by Leven Brown, Don Lennox, Ray Carroll, and Livar Nysted, who completed the journey from Battery Park, New York, to the Isles of Scilly on June 17, 2010.
Over a decade later, Jarvis informed Fox News Digital that their team intends to utilize Elon Musk’s Starlink technology daily and potentially engage with the media halfway through their journey. He humorously suggested that the challenge may also aid them in overcoming their phone addiction.
“If you’re addicted to being online, a fantastic solution is to row across an ocean, as there’s no time to scroll through TikTok or Instagram,” Jarvis remarked.
Radcliffe stated that supporters can monitor their journey via Garmin and contribute to Head Up through their website, www.teamunitedwithconquer.com.
Members of “Team United We Conquer” row in New York before embarking on their cross-Atlantic adventure. (Adam Radcliffe)
Both Radcliffe and Jarvis shared insights they’ve gained from facing challenges, encouraging others to pursue their true selves in both significant and minor ways.
“Adversity is inevitable for everyone—no matter who you are. Every individual encounters challenges that may seem overwhelming, whether you’re fighting in a war or simply battling to get out of bed each morning,” Radcliffe noted.
“Adversity can range from rowing the Atlantic to working a long shift in a job you dislike, but you do it to support your family,” Jarvis explained, highlighting that while crossing the North Atlantic may seem daunting, it becomes manageable when you focus on just getting through the next rowing shift or the next coffee break. “Break it down, avoid feeling overwhelmed, and keep your eyes set on the next step forward.”
