Zara Lachlan
97 days 9 hours and 20 minutes
(A Record Breaking Row)
She’s only the second person in history to complete this 3,600 nautical miles (4,100 miles) voyage. On her 97-day expedition Zara faced stormy weather leading to a capsize, a large bite from a suspected barracuda, and regular hallucinations from extreme exhaustion. The crossing pushed her physically as she rowed 16-21 hours a day, but she found the mental struggle from being in pure isolation during testing conditions, a significantly larger challenge.
Zara decided she wanted to row the Atlantic in summer 2024, and with just a couple of months training she set off on this remarkable challenge. Her inspiring and motivational talk will highlight details from her voyage including encounters with wildlife; the importance of asking for help; as well as the practical side of setting up a challenge like this. Persevering through adversity and finding inner strength and determination to carry on will shine through this presentation and provide valuable life lessons for those listening.
Zara has competed internationally in cycling and started rowing aged 16 at Welbeck the Army’s 6th Form College. She was supported on this challenge by the Team Forces Foundation, a registered charity which raises funds in order to deliver social impact across the armed forces community through the power of sport, challenge and adventure.
Zara is currently in her final year at Loughborough University studying physics. She has been on a British Army contract since she was 15 and in the future will attend the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
Zara’s journey is more than just a record-breaking row; it’s a powerful demonstration of what’s possible when you combine ambition with unwavering focus. It’s a story that resonates deeply with the values that Team Forces holds dear: resilience, determination, and the pursuit of excellence.
Major General Lamont Kirkland CBE, CEO Team Forces