Toby Gregory’s Groundbreaking Ocean Expeditions: From the Atlantic to the Arctic
In December 2022, adventurer and environmental advocate Toby Gregory, alongside the Arabian Ocean Rowing Team, embarked on the challenge of a lifetime: rowing 5,000 km across the Atlantic Ocean, entirely unsupported and unassisted. Their vessel—barely larger than an average family car—relied solely on human power, with just two solar panels providing energy for essential navigation and life-support equipment, including a chart plotter, radio, and desalination unit.
This extraordinary expedition was not only a test of endurance but also a mission with a message. In partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme’s Clean Seas initiative, Toby leveraged the global spotlight to raise awareness about environmental sustainability and the escalating threat of plastic pollution. After 42 grueling days at sea—arriving in Antigua 10 days ahead of schedule—the team demonstrated the power of human resilience and the potential of sustainable adventure.
In 2024, Toby Gregory completed an even more ambitious expedition. Alongside two teammates, he became part of the first unassisted trio in history to row the 1,500 km route from Tromsø, Norway, to Svalbard across the Arctic Ocean. The team also made history as the first mixed-gender crew to row the Arctic, navigating one of the planet’s most extreme environments entirely under their own power. This remarkable achievement not only pushed the limits of human endurance but also sent a powerful message about unity, resilience, and the urgent need to protect our fragile polar ecosystems.
Founded by Toby Gregory, The Arctic Challenge, in partnership with the Clean Seas initiative, is more than a record-breaking feat. It is a bold statement on the urgent need for ocean conservation and a stark reminder of the growing crisis of plastic pollution. As they braved the freezing, unpredictable conditions of the Arctic, the team’s mission remained clear: to inspire global action for a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Interview with Toby Gregory – conducted by Cenk Bilgin
Introduction
Embarking on both a transatlantic rowing expedition and the Arctic Challenge has been a transformative journey, pushing the boundaries of human endurance and exploration. These endeavours not only tested my physical and mental limits but also deepened my appreciation for the planet’s vast and varied environments.
What was the driving force or motivation that encouraged you to go beyond the limits for both adventures?
My motivation stemmed from a profound desire to challenge myself and to inspire others to pursue their dreams, no matter how daunting they may seem. The transatlantic row represented a journey into the vast unknown, confronting the ocean’s might and my own resilience. The Arctic Challenge, on the other hand, was a confrontation with nature’s most frigid and unforgiving environment, testing my adaptability and resolve. These endeavours were not just personal milestones but also platforms to raise awareness about environmental issues and the importance of preserving our natural world.
Both adventures had life-threatening elements. How did you prepare to minimize the risks in your explorations?
Embarking on expeditions fraught with inherent dangers necessitated meticulous planning and risk management. Collaborating closely with experts, I conducted comprehensive assessments to identify potential hazards. This involved rigorous physical training, acquiring survival skills pertinent to each environment, and ensuring that all equipment met the highest safety standards. Moreover, understanding the critical role of insurance in such ventures, I partnered with GIG Gulf to secure comprehensive coverage, ensuring that unforeseen events wouldn’t derail the missions.
You also spent Christmas in the Atlantic Ocean. How did you feel during that time?
Spending Christmas in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean was both humbling and surreal. Removed from traditional festivities, the moment offered rare clarity. It stripped the holiday back to its core values: gratitude, resilience, and reflection—far from the noise of commercialism.
We all talk about plastic pollution or the ‘plastic continent’ in news or media, but you have witnessed that personally. Could you please share how serious this environmental challenge is?
Crossing thousands of kilometers of open ocean, the presence of plastic waste was disturbingly constant—from food wrappers to fishing gear. These encounters aren’t rare events; they are routine, underscoring just how deep the crisis runs. Seeing it firsthand reinforced why awareness alone is no longer enough—we need urgent, collective action.
Were there any moments you were scared? What were the main challenges you experienced?
Both expeditions presented formidable challenges, from unpredictable weather patterns to equipment malfunctions. One particularly harrowing moment occurred during the Arctic Challenge when a sudden blizzard reduced visibility to near zero, making navigation perilous. In such instances, the combination of thorough preparation, reliance on training, and the assurance of robust insurance coverage from GIG Gulf provided the confidence to persevere and overcome these obstacles.
Engagement with Educational Institutions and Initiatives
Recognizing the power of education, I’ve engaged with over 200,000 students across 60 schools and universities in the UAE and Saudi Arabia—alongside many more globally. These sessions are designed to ignite curiosity, promote environmental stewardship, and show that personal limits can be redefined. I’m also a committed advocate of The Plastic Pledge, which empowers schools and communities to reduce plastic use through practical, measurable actions. My work with the Global Arctic Alliance furthers this mission by uniting science, education, and policy in protecting one of Earth’s most fragile ecosystems.
Further Information
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Closing Note
Sharing these experiences helps amplify the values of resilience, purpose-driven adventure, and environmental advocacy—principles at the heart of both my work and GIG Gulf’s commitment to safety and sustainability. Their partnership has transformed bold ideas into real-world impact.
