In May 2012 double Guinness World Record holder Charlie Martell will row solo and unsupported for 6,000 miles across the North Pacific from Japan to the USA to raise funds for two charities, and to set a new Guinness World Record for the first and fastest solo Briton.

Charlie first launched the idea for Pacific 2012 after an inspiring meeting with a charity he has been involved with for many years, Give Them A Sporting Chance which enables those with disabilities – of all ages – to complete their sporting ambitions. Martell is also a core crew member of another charity, Toe in the Water who offer competitive sailing for servicemen and women who have often suffered traumatic injuries. Bringing these two charities together has been Martell’s mission in the last year and he has been the powerhouse behind the Pacific 2012 challenge which aims to raise much needed funds for both organisations.

Charlie Martell is a Mine Action Specialist who started his career serving with the British Army in Iraq and also in Northern Ireland and Bosnia. Having sailed as a child and with family links to the Royal Navy stretching back generations, Martell is very at home on the water. Swapping his sails for oars, this challenge will be the ultimate test in mental strength and endurance. All the qualities that he possesses and will put in to practice for the epic journey that lies ahead of him.

Hi, thanks for visiting!

As you’ve just read my goal is to set a new world record for the fastest solo ocean-row crossing the Pacific Ocean in May 2012. The route across the “Everest of The Oceans” could take me more than six months to complete, but to take the world record I will have to do it in just four months whilst battling through the typhoon season, the Pacific Ring of Fire and dodging migrating whales!

Only one (French) Ocean-Rower has ever successfully completed an unsupported row on this treacherous west-to-east crossing and I intend to become the first Briton to make the crossing alone and unsupported (I take all my food and provisions with me).

If you feel inspired by my challenge and would like to help me top-up my fundraising for the charities that I am rowing for please click on the JustGiving donate button. You’ll also find me on Facebook and Twitter where you can catch up on my daily news!

All the best,

Latest News

Pacific 2012

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Posted: November 13, 2011, 9:23 pm

Last night Charlie Martell, Lt, Troop Commander, 217 Field Squadron (EOD) Volunteers, was among hundreds of ex-servicemen and women invited by The Royal British Legion to the annual Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall to pay their respects to Britain’s fallen heroes. The Queen and other senior members of the Royal family joined [...]

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Posted: October 4, 2011, 1:06 pm

This week saw Gloucestershire’s very own ‘Action Man’ and double Guinness World record holder, Charlie Martell undertake his sea trials ahead of his next world record bid across the North Pacific Ocean. Martell, who will be rowing 6,000 miles from Japan to the USA, is raising money for two charities in Spring 2012 and was [...]

Pacific 2012 Sea Trials

Posted: October 4, 2011, 12:17 pm

Double Guinness World record holder Charlie Martell will be undertaking his sea trial training ahead of his Pacific 2012 challenge at the Teignmouth, Devon, on Monday 5th and Tuesday 6th September, 2011. Martell, who will be rowing 6,000 miles from Japan to the USA in spring 2012, is being assisted by the Teignmouth Lifeboat crew [...]