Zara arrived in French Guiana after spending 97 days, 9 hours and 20 minutes rowing across the Atlantic Ocean.

In doing so, she has made history as the first female to row this crossing solo and unsupported, the youngest person to complete this crossing in any boat, and the youngest female to go from any mainland to mainland across the Atlantic Ocean in any boat.

On this extraordinary journey, Zara faced extreme weather leading her boat to capsize, encountered orcas and sharks, and experienced a near collision with a large ship. Despite these challenges, she describes her expedition as the most enjoyable and rewarding experience she has had.

From the age of 16, Zara has competed internationally in cycling and rowing which she started at Welbeck Defence Sixth Form College. She discovered ocean rowing when she was younger but only decided to take on this epic challenge in the summer of 2024. August 2024 was the first time Zara had ever seen an ocean rowing boat. Two and a half months of intensive training later, she was fully prepared to row solo across the Atlantic.

Zara commented: “I want to encourage others to find a fun way to keep fit and healthy and gain the confidence needed to try something new.

“None of the crossing would have been possible without the support from Team Forces and all of my sponsors.”

Zara was sponsored by companies including Team Forces, Collins Aerospace, Telent, Civica, and Spectra Group.

On 4 March, Zara was presented with a Gold Award from Vice-Chancellor Professor Nick Jennings for her amazing achievement in ocean rowing.

After graduating from Loughborough University with her Physics degree this summer, Zara plans to join the army in September as a technical officer.