Salt rash, sharks and thousands of oar strokes are not part of day-to-day life at intellectual property firm Secerna. In 2022, they will be an everyday reality for the rowing team, “Seas the Day”, who Secerna is sponsoring as they take on the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge.

Miriam Payne and Nia Hunter, who are both physics students at the University of Glasgow, plan to take on the exceptional feat of rowing across the Atlantic Ocean. Billed as the world’s toughest rowing race, the team will set off from La Gomera in the Canary Islands in December 2022 and will tackle 3,000+ relentless miles to arrive at English Harbour in Antigua. During the challenge, Miriam and Nia will be rowing in shifts of two hours on, two hours off, to keep the boat moving.

Secerna Partner, Jason Boakes said, “We are extremely pleased to support this exceptional crew, we love their determination and can-do attitude. Both are physicists, and their scientific background strikes a chord with our practice and makes them a natural choice for us to support.”

The aim is to beat the current record of 50 days, 5 hours and 53 minutes for a crossing by a female pair and have chosen to raise money for Wellbeing for Women and Mind UK.

Miriam said, “We’re both very grateful to Secerna for believing in us and our ability to take on the challenge. We are frequently asked why we’re taking on such a big challenge. The answer is always 'Why not?' When George Mallory made his attempt to be the first person to climb Mt. Everest, a reporter asked him why he wanted to do it. He famously replied, “Because it’s there”. We love that ethos and through this challenge want to show that ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things.

“The other, more serious reason, is so we can raise money and awareness of two charities that mean a lot to us.”

Secerna, which is now in its tenth year, supports a growing worldwide client base of multi-national corporations, FTSE and NYSE listed companies, universities, spin-out companies, small businesses, and innovators.

“Our global reach and work with universities made this endeavour a relevant fit and something we are passionate about supporting. We wish Miriam and Nia the very best of luck,” adds Jason.