This year, two Old Vikings, Harry Vardigans (14S) and Harry Hogan (14S), are preparing to take on one of the most demanding endurance challenges in the world: The Worlds Toughest Row. The pair are part of a four man crew - Rogue Wave -  who, in December 2026, will be rowing 3,000 miles unsupported across the Atlantic, aiming not just complete the crossing, but to win it!

The Harrys first met at Shiplake where their love of rowing and appetite for challenge grew. As Harry Hogan reflects, "We first talked about doing something like this back in Year 10 at Shiplake. After rowing together and building on those training sessions, it’s special to now be turning that idea into reality by rowing the Atlantic together after all these years.”

Harrry Vardigans adds, “Hogan and I have always been up for doing stupidly hard things to see if we could. From getting up before breakfast at school to run laps of Headmaster’s Hill, to cycling the Three Peaks on Boris bikes during COVID, we’ve never really said no to a challenge. This one is definitely the biggest yet… We shared a room at Shiplake and rowed together, so we already know how to get on when we’re tired, fed up, and spending far too much time together — which will probably come in handy for what we’re about to take on.”

Harry Vardigans and Harry Hogan Rowing for Shiplake College at Henley Royal Regatta

The scale of this challenge is immense. The route stretches from La Gomera to Antigua and the crew will follow a brutal 2 hours on, 2 hours off shift pattern for 30 days. Crews face temperatures from 10 degrees at night to well over 30 degrees during the day and waves up to 20ft high! Rowers typically lose around 8kg during the crossing and with no toilet on board, even basic routines become part of the hardship. 

Rogue Wave are aiming to raise £100,000 for their chosen charity, The HALO Trust, as well as equipment, food and resources they need to complete the row. The crew are now seeking business and indiviudals to support their campaign - please reach out via roguewave.atlantic@gmail.com if you are interested in getting involved. They are also hosting a Rogue Wave Black Tie Ball on Saturday 11 April and you can find out more via their website and social media linked below.

Website: Roguewave

Instagram: rogue_wave2026

LinkedIn: Rogue Wave Atlantic Row 2026

YouTube: Rogue Wave 2026 - YouTube

We wish Harry Vardigans, Harry Hogan and the rest of the Rogue Wave Crew the best of luck with their training and the row at the end of the year!