A team of four elite UK adventurers is preparing to undertake a world-first expedition across the Indian Ocean in June 2026. Known as the Brain Waves Expedition, the challenge will involve a 5,500-mile unsupported row from Australia to Kenya, making it the first time a mixed crew has attempted a continent-to-continent crossing of the ocean.
Over the course of approximately 100 days at sea, the crew will row in continuous two-hour shifts, day and night. They will face severe conditions including 40-foot waves, intense sleep deprivation, and the psychological demands of complete isolation. With no accompanying support vessel, the team must rely entirely on their own resources, with emergency assistance potentially several days away.
The expedition brings together four of the UK’s most resilient adventurers:
- Glyn Roberts: An Ex-RAF officer and firefighter who brings elite tactical discipline and a lifetime of service to the vessel.
- Billy Taylor (Skipper): A veteran of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, Billy has dedicated his career to raising awareness for mental health and neurodegenerative diseases.
- Lara Vafiadis: A seasoned solo rower and the 23rd woman in history to row an ocean alone, having spent 98 days at sea during her 2023 Atlantic crossing.
- Susannah Cass: A world-record-holding adventure scientist who previously skippered the first crew to row from Portugal to Brazil.
The journey will also mark a historic milestone for women in endurance sport, with Lara Vafiadis and Susannah Cass set to become the first women to complete a continent-to-continent crossing of the Indian Ocean.
Beyond the physical record, the team aims to raise £500,000 for two life-changing charities:
- Rock 2 Recovery: Providing vital coaching and mental health support for veterans, 999 first responders, and their families.
- Race Against Dementia: Founded by Sir Jackie Stewart, OBE, to accelerate the global search for a cure.
“Brain Waves’ row across the Indian Ocean demonstrates the spirit of courage and endurance needed to overcome great odds,” says Sir Jackie Stewart, OBE. “I am honoured to support such an inspiring endeavour as we accelerate the search for a cure in our Race Against Dementia.”
The crew will serve as “adventure scientists,” partnering with major institutions to conduct groundbreaking research:
- Plastic Pollution: Collecting water samples for the University of Michigan to help develop satellite technology that can monitor microplastic concentrations from space.
- Mental Health: In collaboration with Oxford Brookes University, the team will study how extreme physical exercise impacts symptoms of anxiety and depression.
As preparations continue, the Brain Waves Expedition is inviting commercial partners to support the mission. With previous campaigns reaching audiences of more than 27 million through major broadcasters and international media, sponsors will gain exposure alongside a project that combines exploration, science, and social impact.
