The Deep Notes
The Deep Notes logo

Be part of something extraordinary.

An unsupported 3,200-mile ocean row from Lanzarote to Antigua by Mandy Hadley & Suzie Hackman.

  • Hospital
  • Refuge

What is The Deep Notes?

The Deep Notes is an ambitious Atlantic Ocean rowing challenge undertaken by Mandy Hadley and Suzie Hackman.

In January 2028, they will leave Marina Rubicon in Lanzarote, rowing south past Fuerteventura before turning west across the open Atlantic Ocean towards Antigua in the Caribbean.

The crossing will cover approximately 3,200 miles and is expected to take between 40 and 80 days, depending on weather conditions.

This is not simply a physical challenge.

It is a test of resilience, teamwork, mindset, and determination — undertaken to raise awareness and vital funds for Refuge and My Hospitals Charity.

Distance

3,200 Miles

Across the Atlantic Ocean

Expected Duration

40–80 Days

Depending on weather and sea conditions

Route

Lanzarote → Antigua

Marina Rubicon to the Caribbean

Mandy & Suzie
“

Our row is not for glory or for gold. It's for those whose silent wars so often go untold, battles that are fought within the body and the mind, it is for lives, and hopes, and love, with no one left behind.

Mandy Hadley & Suzie Hackman

Atlantic Dash

We're excited to join forces with Atlantic Dash for our crossing of the Atlantic Ocean.

Their mission captures the essence of pushing boundaries and embracing life's journey to the fullest. For us, the Atlantic Dash is both a physical challenge and a powerful metaphor — a reminder to live everyday with purpose, determination and to appreciate every step along the way.

Atlantic Dash

Atlantic Ocean Crew

MANDY HADLEY
Technology Professional

MANDY HADLEY

Mandy is a dedicated single parent who raised two children while building a 20+ year career in technology-focused investment and commercial growth. Her 31 years of bonding with her horse, Saria, taught her deep trust and composure in high uncertainty. An adventurous spirit who has completed charity skydives for Battersea Dogs Home, Mandy brings tenacity, strategic composure, humor and choir harmony to the crew.

MANDY's Cause: Refuge — Safety, independence, and hope for women and children.
SUZIE HACKMAN
NHS Clinical Governance Manager & Open Sea Swimmer

SUZIE HACKMAN

Suzie has worked in the NHS for over 25 years, leading clinical governance and patient safety investigations. A mum of two and dedicated supporter of local hospitals, she has taken on a marathon, Tough Mudder and skydive in support of NHS charities, demonstrating the resilience and determination she brings to every challenge. Her governance background brings calm crisis mitigation, clear communication and deep psychological safety to the ocean crossing.

SUZIE's Cause: My Hospitals Charity — Helping our local NHS hospitals in Sussex go further.

The Atlantic Ocean: Lanzarote to Antigua 2028

Once The Deep Notes depart from Lanzarote in the Canary Islands, the route is set to head towards Cape Verde. This route allows them to catch the trade winds and currents, supporting their westward journey toward Antigua.

January has been chosen strategically to avoid the Atlantic hurricane season and to provide the best statistical weather window. For 40 to 80 days, Mandy and Suzie will live and work together at sea, relying completely on their preparation, equipment, and each other.

Expedition Route Schematic3,200 MILES
Expedition route from Lanzarote to Antigua
Continuous 2 hours rowing shifts followed by 2 hours of rest, 24 hours a day.

The Challenges

Ocean rowing strips life back to its absolute basics. Mandy and Suzie will face an environment where physical fitness is only part of the challenge.

The crew will row continuously in 2 hours shifts 24 hours a day without stopping, facing sleep deprivation, potential seasickness, and survival nutrition needing up to 6,000 calories daily from rehydrated meals and desalinated water. Giving up normal comforts, hygiene will rely on baby wipes while putting their mental endurance, mindset, and resilience to the ultimate test.

HALLUCINATIONS
SHARKS
STORMS
SICKNESS
BLISTERS
EXHAUSTION
DEHYDRATION
SHIPS

Everything On Board

Everything we need will have to be loaded onto the boat before we leave, and once we have left, there is definitely no turning back.

Ocean rowing boat specifications

This is an ocean rowing boat

The self-righting ocean boat is engineered for the harsh realities of transatlantic rowing, allowing Mandy and Suzie to operate independently across thousands of miles of open water.

Equipped with solar-powered reverse osmosis desalinators, lithium battery banks, satellite GPS, emergency para-anchors, and sealed waterproof cabins.

Vessel Architecture Specifications:
Self-Righting Carbon Hull:Built to self-recover immediately in case of capsizing in high seas.
Electric Desalination:Converts brine into 3–5 litres of fresh drinking water daily per rower.
Solar Power Array:Continuous charging for navigation instruments, VHF, and satellite trackers.
Aft & Fore Cabins:Confined shelter for 2h rest shifts, dry equipment, and navigation logs.

Why We Are Doing This & Why You Should Get Involved

Hospital

My Hospitals Charity

Supporting hospital staff and patients across Sussex hospitals by funding state-of-the-art medical equipment and healthcare wellbeing initiatives.

Refuge

Refuge

Refuge supports women and children experiencing domestic abuse, helping them overcome trauma, find safe shelter, and rebuild independent lives.

6 Core Motivations Behind The Deep Notes:
1. Support important causes: Refuge and My Hospitals Charity.
2. Challenge ourselves: Physical and mental endurance.
3. Find Perspective: Stripping life back to the essentials.
4. Inspire others: You simply have to begin.
5. Embrace resilience: Overcoming Atlantic gales together.
6. Make a lasting difference: Turning miles into real hope.

A Floating Laboratory

We hope to use The Deep Notes expedition as an opportunity to support ocean science while crossing the open Atlantic.

We are currently speaking with universities about potential research opportunities and how Mandy and Suzie may be able to contribute useful observations or data during the crossing.

Potential Research Collaboration

Subject to confirmation with our university partners, we hope the expedition can contribute to meaningful ocean research by making use of a unique journey across thousands of miles of the Atlantic.

Getting to the start

An unsupported ocean crossing requires rigorous preparation, world-class safety equipment, marine logistics, and charitable campaign operations.

Projected costs

  • Ocean Rowing Boat£50,000
  • Food & Snack Packs£6,000
  • Insurance - Global Rescue£7,000
  • Boat shipment and flights£17,450
  • Communications, tracking & media equipment£3,300
  • Safety, medical, navigation, power & other equipment£16,073
  • Other expedition costs & contingency£32,035

Sponsor packages

Sponsor packages can be tailored for different levels of investment and requirements. We can meet all reasonable requests - subject to availability, logistics and contribution amount - if there is something specific you have in mind.

GOLD SPONSOR

2 AVAILABLE
£15,000
Included Benefits & Features:
  • Prime logo placement on boat and team clothing
  • Tagged in all social media posts
  • Logo and hyperlink on official website
  • Name & web link included in all press and promotion materials
  • Access to photo and video footage from the crossing
  • 1 post row talk from the team on their experience
  • Logo on 2 oars (organisation to retain one post-row)
  • Logo on ocean kit & boat trailer
  • One 10 minute video call during crossing

SILVER SPONSOR

6 AVAILABLE
£10,000
Included Benefits & Features:
  • Logo placement in secondary location on boat
  • Tagged in all social media posts
  • Logo and hyperlink on official website
  • Name & web link included in all press and promotion materials
  • Access to photo and video footage from the crossing
  • One 10 minute video call during crossing

BRONZE SPONSOR

6 AVAILABLE
£5,000
Included Benefits & Features:
  • Logo or text on boat
  • Tagged in social media posts
  • Logo and hyperlink on official website
TITLE SPONSOR(Negotiable)
GOLD SPONSOR£15,000
SILVER SPONSOR£10,000
BRONZE SPONSOR£5,000

Title sponsor

  • •Challenge name to change to company name
  • •Boat branding, including prime positioning of logo on exterior and interior of boat
  • •Boat to change to organisation's brand colours
  • •Organisation's logo to feature on ALL team attire worn pre, during and post row
  • •PR and promotional partner - involvement in press releases, press and launch events, photography, media interviews and all promotional materials
  • •Media access - full access to live streaming and chats, photos and video footage
  • •Product showcase - use of organisation's products/services by crew and in boat
  • •Access to crew - crew available pre, during (via satellite) and post row to talk to employees/speak at corporate or team-building events
  • •Access to location mapping. Office map in reception can pinpoint where crew are on any given day
  • •Flag to mark end of row - crew to hold flag aloft to signal end of the row. Flag will bear the logo/tag of the lead sponsor.
  • •The Title sponsor will also have all the benefits of Gold sponsor. Any extra requirements to be negotiated.