The Crew
We are all friends who are born in Plymouth and have a close relationship with the sea. Individually we would like to challenge ourselves, but sharing that experience between us is important. Our wives and children think we are mad, we may be!
Cancer has affected one of our crew and is a cause we would like to support through helping fund the Mustard tree cancer support unit. One of our crew has set up a charity centered around rugby values and the great work clubs and coaches do especially with young children. It is called the Star Scheme.
Glynne Dunn (Captain)
Born in Plymouth as the middle of three sons, from mealtimes to bedtimes life was always going to be a challenge. Not content with the everyday I threw myself into the Scouts, Ten Tors, Duke of Edinburgh, Operation Raleigh and finally the Army. Those seem like distant days now and I have three sons myself, so it’s amusing to reflect and observe their own trials and tribulations. Family and friends have been the cornerstone for me in life especially over the last 30 years with my soulmate and wife, Kerry, and our growing tribe, but there is still a yearning to live, scare myself and, whilst the body is able, to challenge it.
I have always been a team player and although I take my hat off to solo adventurers, sharing the journey with close friends was a key part of the allure of an Atlantic crossing (my wife and sons all turned me down flat anyway). At 56, I have the opportunity to take some time away from my business which has enabled me to consider an adventure of this magnitude. I look forward to sharing the toilet bucket on board with three fine gentlemen, raising money for our chosen charities and whatever mother nature might throw at us. If I can inspire anyone to do something out of the everyday I will be very pleased.
Dan Lewis
As an ex-Royal Marine, I have always relished a challenge. The spirit of adventure and the desire to undertake a challenge has never been more prominent than it is now. Having spoken to friends that have undertaken the Atlantic Row it kindled an ember that didn’t dampen. I have always had a love for the sea, I grew up on the river Tamar and as a child I would canoe from our house to the sailing club to race dinghies, and then canoe home, I surfed (or tried to!) at Whitsand Bay and have dived most of the historic wrecks in the area. I think it is fair to say that the sea is in my blood.
The Atlantic Row will offer me more than just the challenge of the row. It acts as a focus point and gives me a purpose for training, thus improving my overall health and wellbeing. It also allows me to give a little back to those less fortunate than myself, through raising funds for the Mustard Tree and star* charities.
Dan Wooler
Born and schooled in Plymouth, I left to go to university at 18 and have never returned. However, the sea is in my blood and I’m never happier than being on the water off Wembury or the beaches of the South Hams. Unlike my crew mates, I display a remarkable ineptitude at boat handling, having sunk two boats, and little or no experience of expeditions or physical challenges.
My passions in life are my family of three very amusing children, Annie, Freddie and Joe, and my wife and partner-in-everything, Georgie; my business which I’ve recently stepped back from; and rugby, having played to remarkably mediocre levels and then coached for 12 years.
With fellow members of Chew Valley RFC, I recently founded the star* scheme which makes a difference with children and families who have experienced multiple childhood traumas. We do this by partnering with junior rugby clubs and training their coaches and volunteers in the world of ACEs (adverse childhood experiences). It has expanded beyond all imagination, with almost 100 junior clubs now engaged with the scheme and over 600 children and families by the end of the 2023/24 (only it’s second) season. The funds raised from our Atlantic crossing will make an enormous difference to both star* and Paul’s charity, the Mustard Tree.
Paul Adams
Raised in Plymouth, Britians ‘Ocean City’, I’ve always been accustomed to the salty sea breeze. As a family man with a blend of three kids, two stepkids, and four grandkids (so far!), I’ve mastered the art of managing chaos and finding joy amid the madness. My youth spent playing rugby instilled in me the value of teamwork, shaping me into a true team player. Later, as I ventured into the realm of business, I built my construction company from the ground up, unafraid to take risks and tackle sizable projects.
A battle with cancer some time ago served as a stark wake-up call, prompting me to reevaluate my priorities and pursue meaningful challenges. Fueled by a thirst for pushing my boundaries, I’m now embarking on an audacious journey to row across the Atlantic Ocean with three close friends.
Now, fueled by a mix of stubbornness and camaraderie, I’m ready to set sail on the high seas, aiming to row across the Atlantic with my crew. It’s not just about the adventure; it’s about showing that even when life throws you a curveball, you can still hit it out of the park if you set your mind to it.