Government
Inmarsat is proud to support Royal Air Force Wing Commander Emma Wolstenholme with satellite connectivity when she sets sail from Marina del Sur in Tenerife in a bid to row solo and unsupported across the Atlantic.
Emma is making the 3,000+ nautical mile journey to raise awareness and funds for the RAF Air Cadets, of which she is an Honorary Ambassador, and is attempting to set a new world record in the process. She aims to beat the current world record of 49 days, 11 hours and 15 minutes in order, announcing her impressive pledge in 2021, the 80th Anniversary of the Royal Air Force.
She credits her career in the Royal Air Force, where she served with the 352 (Burnley) Squadron, to the start she was given by the RAF Air Cadets. She believes that the adventurous cadet training taught her self-discipline, teamwork and leadership development, whilst instilling a sense of self-confidence and competitive spirit that has served her well.
This solid foundation led onto her becoming a Squadron Leader Training Officer in the RAF, allowing her to compete for Great Britain in the Europa Cup at Skeleton Bobsleigh, as well as complete tours of Afghanistan and the Middle East.
Now she wants to give back, whilst spreading the word about the more than 1,000 squadrons across the UK, encouraging people to join - either as a cadet, or an adult volunteer.
This impressive feat entails intricate planning and the journey, although completed solo, requires that Emma is constantly connected to those on shore, which is why Emma’s boat “Happy Socks” is fitted with a BGAN terminal that allows access to our 99.95% seamless and reliable ELERA network.
We are providing Emma with free airtime throughout her journey, so that she can stay up to date with the latest weather reports, keep in touch with her support crew ashore and remain safe at sea. Emma is also carrying one of our IsatPhone 2 satellite phones in her emergency kit bag.
“Being connected to the outside world is so important for a challenge of this magnitude for two main reasons,” Emma explains. “The first, is because it gives me the confidence to know that I can communicate with specialists if something goes wrong and I can’t fix it with my knowledge.”
“I have all the spare parts and all the tools and I’ve learned about how my equipment works, but anything could happen on the ocean and it’s good to be prepared for the unpredictable,” she continues.
“The second reason why I am so excited to be able to take my Inmarsat BGAN is because I know that sending video back home connects more with supporters than compressed photos and having the ability to inspire people, especially the Air Cadets themselves, is as important to me as the fundraising element. Thank you so much for allowing this to happen - it’s the icing on the cake of adventure,” she shares.
We wish Emma all the best on her exciting adventure. You can follow her journey here: www.Facebook.com/soloatlanticrow
