Evelyn compliance head helps break rowing record

Evelyn Partners’ head of compliance in Jersey, Rosemary Satchwell, 55, has completed a record-breaking Atlantic crossing as part of the oldest female crew to row across an ocean.

The team of four rowers rowed into Nelson’s Dockyard in Antigua at the weekend after 58 days, 12 hours and 30 minutes at sea.

The team was co-sponsored by the wealth management and Financial Planning group Evelyn Partners.

The ‘Intrepid 232’ team, which also included Julie Brady, 60, Alison Smithurst , 59, and Helene Monpetit, 56, rowed unassisted for 3,000 miles as part of the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge 2023.

They had a combined age of 232 years 10 months and 2 days old when they set off from San Sebastian in La Gomera, Canary Islands on 13 December. The previous world record holders were collectively 10 years younger.

The women spent two hours rowing then took two hours’ rest – alongside trying to eat, sleep and maintain the boat.  

Rosemary Satchwell said: “Many years ago my husband suggested that seeing as I was spending so much of my free time rowing it might be a good idea if I would row across the Atlantic and get it out of my system!

“We wanted to show also that once you are determined to do something age should not necessarily be a barrier.” 

She said that Evelyn Partners as a sponsor, “made the hardest part of the challenge – getting to the start line – so much easier! It means a lot to me to know my colleagues are behind me and are both interested and care about what we are working towards and ultimately what we have achieved.”

Matt Falla, managing partner at Evelyn Partners’ Jersey office, said: “The crossing took 58 gruelling days but the preparation started over three years ago and the determination to finish has been built over a lifetime. It has required a unique personal bond and working in partnership to deliver such a performance.”

The team followed in the footsteps of Guy Rigby, previously head of entrepreneurial services at Evelyn Partners and David Murray who competed in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge 2021 and became the oldest pair on the planet to row any ocean.

The team raised £12,000 for the Grace Crocker Foundation, set up to support Jersey families who need to spend time in the UK while their children receive hospital treatment.