Row2Recovery

Canary Islands – December 2015

In December 2015, less than two years after losing his leg, Lee Spencer joined three other injured veterans to row from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua — setting a Guinness World Records achievement and proving that life beyond injury is possible.

Row2Recovery — Key Stats

• Route: La Gomera (Canary Islands) → English Harbour, Antigua
• Dates: 20 December 2015 → 4 February 2016
• Time at sea: 46 days, 6 hours, 49 minutes
• Record: Guinness World Records – first physically disabled team of four to row any ocean
• Distance (reported): ~3,000 miles

On 20 December 2015, the Row2Recovery crew set off from La Gomera aiming to complete an unsupported row across the Atlantic. News coverage repeatedly highlighted the scale of the challenge — a 3,000-mile crossing — and the crew’s injuries, with “three legs between them” becoming the line many people remember.

The Crew (as listed by Guinness):

• Cayle Royce (Skipper)
• Paddy Gallagher
• Nigel Rogoff
• Lee Spencer

During the crossing the team experienced major fatigue, shifting weather systems and periods of high uncertainty at sea. One moment that captures the reality of ocean rowing came when the crew received a short satellite message warning of an incoming hurricane and advising them to change course.

Rowing into the history books

After 46 days, 6 hours and 49 minutes, the crew rowed into English Harbour, Antigua — entering the record books and completing a challenge that helped broaden perceptions of disability, capability and recovery.

Why Row2Recovery Mattered

Row2Recovery has been widely described as a mission to show what is possible “beyond injury” and to raise awareness for wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans.

The 2015–16 crossing became a high-profile proof point — covered by national broadcasters — that combined human story, elite endurance and visible inclusion in one event.

Media Coverage

• ITV News coverage of the team’s arrival in Antigua
• Sky News coverage of “Team Legless” rowing the Atlantic
• Guinness World Records listing for the crew’s record