Modern Explorers - Jasmine Harrison
Discover our next amazing trailblazer in our modern explorer series. As we feature the incredible Jasmine Harrison, who aged just 21 has broken the World Record to become the youngest woman to row solo across the Atlantic as part of the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge. In fact, Harrison is the youngest woman to row solo across any of the world’s oceans. The previous record belonged to Katie Spotz from the US who rowed across the Atlantic between 3 January and 14 March in 2010 aged 22.
“I believe all women can embrace who they are, can define their future, and can change the world.” Jasmine Harrison
Representing team ‘Ruddlerlymad’ and raising more than £10,000 for charity as she rowed. Jasmine single handedly faced 20 foot waves in a test of sheer endurance and determination; which saw her cover 3000 miles over 70 days completely alone in her beloved boat ‘Argo’.
A magnificent achievement considering the challenges she faced in the lead up to the race including her training being delayed due to the pandemic.
Hailing from Thisk, North Yorkshire, Jasmine has always had a love of travel, sport and adventure. A part time swimming teacher and bartender, she explains on her website ‘Rudderlymad’ - “I love going off and exploring new places and creating my own challenges along the way, which also inspired me to do this challenge because so many people have a perception that just because you are young and female that you can’t do something, so here I am doing exactly that!”
Determined and with a clear focus in mind, after finishing school Jasmine headed straight to the Caribbean to teach children in Grenada to swim. Whilst there she got involved with the sailing community and extended her travel adventure, hopping around the stunning Caribbean islands. She recalls that this is how she originally heard about the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge back in 2017. Whilst in Antigua, Jasmine found herself in Nelson’s Dockyard at the end of the challenge and seeing what unfolded before her certainly gave her clear inspiration and drive for the future. Jasmine recalls making a promise to herself that “I’m going to do that one day and here I am and I’ve done it!” (2)
So after some high extensive training, Jasmine set sail from La Gomera in the Canary Islands in her trusty 7 metre long Rannoch R15 rowing boat in December 2020.
What an adventure of a lifetime she has had!
Jasmine spent time rowing in gruelling 12-hour shifts, making sure she took a moment to admire the sensational sunsets and soak up her environment along with spotting local wildlife on route. Being a lover of animals, Jasmine was delighted to welcome various visitors who joined her on her Atlantic route to Antigua. She reported seeing whales, marlin and triggerfish along with a friendly pod of dolphins who followed her boat for days.
Speaking about her time on the water Jasmine says “there weren't really any typical days, because honestly the conditions were so variable that you’d wake up every day and you’d think it was a different ocean. Just the waves are different, the winds slightly different and you know the clouds, sun, literally everything!” (2)
Clocking up an impressive 1.5 million oar strokes, and living off of biscuits and chocolate instead of traditional ration packs. “I think I ate 40kg of chocolate” Jasmine explains (1) Any big challenges Jasmine faced at sea were usually whilst she was sleeping.
To keep Argo on course she was unable to sleep for longer than 2 hours at a time. One of the biggest awakenings she experienced was a scary event that Jasmine described as like being ‘thrown against a wall at 20-odd miles an hour’. She also capsized two days before triumphantly crossing the finish line, injuring her elbow, but thankfully nothing else too serious.
Despite all of the challenges and going solo across the water, Jasmine has reported to have never felt lonely during her time at sea. Although cut off from the outside world, she recalled “there’s nothing like it, actually getting away from everything - social media, bad news, from literally everything”. (4) She managed to check in with her Mum in Thirsk daily via satellite phone to keep her motivation up and to keep in touch with home.
After completing her epic voyage in just 70 days, 3 hours and 48 minutes. Jasmine sailed into the record books whilst also raising thousands of pounds for two fantastic charities; the Blue Marine Foundation which fights overfishing and Shelterbox, a charity which offers relief to people affected by natural disasters.
Recently in acknowledgement of International Women’s Day, Jasmine spoke to the Duchess of Cambridge about her remarkable feat. When asked by the Duchess about any advice she would give young women who wanted to follow in her footsteps. Jasmine explained that she would encourage and reassure them telling them that “you can do it if you set your mind to it, ask questions and embrace everything.” (3)
Clearly, Jasmine hopes that her achievements will inspire other young women to follow their dreams and look to the future. “I just want to inspire people to change your mindset to what you can do, not what you can’t”. (1)
Wise words for us all.
A massive congratulations Jasmine from everyone at The Future Mapping Company on your incredible achievements.
We cannot wait to see what happens next ….
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