When Sian Davies was 61 years old, she made the bold decision to row across the Atlantic Ocean. In March 2021, this former sports and leisure manager embarked on a challenging 3,000-mile journey from Tenerife, facing the elements of sun, salt, and strong currents alongside 11 other crew members. Describing their rigorous routine, she recalls, “We would row in three-hour shifts and only sleep for an hour or so every six hours.” Davies struggled initially, battling seasickness for the first 15 days, which left her unable to eat, focusing solely on rowing and enduring exhaustion. She reflects on this period as “some pretty dark times.”
Despite the hardships, Davies persevered, and after 42 days at sea, she successfully reached Antigua, achieving a remarkable feat as one of only six women worldwide over the age of 60 to have completed an ocean rowing expedition. Reflecting on her accomplishment, she expresses, “I was exhausted and I was also so proud of myself. It was empowering to push the limits at my age and discover just how much I was capable of.”
Davies’s journey into rowing began at the age of 53 when she encountered a Cornish pilot gig in Bristol harbor, sparking her interest in the sport. Fascinated by the physicality and unique nature of the six-oar rowing boat, she took a trial run and instantly fell in love with the experience. Recalling her initial encounter with rowing, she shares, “Feeling your whole body working and the fresh air on your skin is amazing.”
The idea of rowing across the Atlantic was born in 2017, a pivotal moment following a period of debilitating back pain that culminated in a herniated disc diagnosis. During her recovery in north Devon, Davies, who had retired to care for her ailing mother, found solace in planning for the future. Inspired by stories of female adventurers, she set her sights on ocean rowing as a personal challenge once she regained her health.
After undergoing successful spinal surgery, Davies sought guidance from seasoned endurance rowers like Lesley Foden and Sarah Outen, drawing inspiration and courage from their experiences. When an opportunity arose to join a crew for an Atlantic crossing, she embraced the challenge wholeheartedly, despite most crew members being significantly younger. Her dedication to training, including converting her garden into a makeshift gym during Covid lockdowns, exemplified her unwavering commitment.
As Davies prepared for her expedition, her mother’s health deteriorated, adding emotional weight to her journey. Despite the likelihood of her mother’s passing during the voyage, Davies embarked on her Atlantic crossing, bidding a heartfelt farewell. Her return to find her mother waving a flag with pride reinforced the significance of her achievements and the importance of living life to the fullest.
Motivated by her transformative experience, Davies has set her sights on new athletic endeavors to elevate the visibility of women in endurance sports. With plans to break world records by rowing around the UK at 64 and embarking on a motorcycle journey through the Himalayas, she aims to defy stereotypes and inspire women to pursue adventure at any age. Following her mother’s passing in July 2023, Davies remains resolute in her pursuit of physical challenges, driven by a desire to create lasting memories and honor her mother’s legacy.