First Wednesday Talk by Simon Howes
Wednesday 1 October 2025
Atlantic Rower, book summary
Too old to be called a comeback kid, this is the true story of a man who wanted to inspire others by doing something completely outrageous.
Having never taken life too seriously, in his 68th year he wanted to make a real difference. Without any previous experience he purchased a small rowing boat and decided to row an ocean.
He wanted to show his children and anyone else who might listen, that in life you can achieve your dreams if you think big.
Against all the odds he rowed his boat, through extreme conditions, a distance considerably greater than that from his home on The Isle of Wight, to the North Pole. He achieved his goal with absolutely no support whatsoever and risked life and limb in the process.
Before and during his daring row, he inspired literally hundreds of people with his determination to succeed, many of whom donated to The Isle of Wight Red Squirrel Trust. In the process he raised over £105,000.00 to help the charity purchase 12 acres of woodland for the Red Squirrel Woodland project.
The Rower explains in graphic detail how he managed to turn a disastrous Challenge into an extraordinary Adventure, without once losing his ability to keep laughing at himself.
The story is a real inspiration to anyone on the planet, who may themselves have failed once before in life, but who still believe that if at first you don’t succeed, try and try again.
Coffee will be served from 11:00 with the talk starting at 11:30 prompt.
A Q&A session will follow the talk.
An optional lunch will be served from 12:00
and can be pre-booked before the talk.
To book online, please click the button below. Alternatively you can sign-up on the form in the Club foyer.
