Acclaim Limited proudly sponsored Team Ithaca, a women’s team that set a world record for rowing around Great Britain.

The Douglas-based Trust and Corporate Services Provider (TCSP) supported the team during their 2,000-mile GB Row Challenge, which they completed on July 19th.

Historic Achievement

The six rowers—skipper Emma Wolstenholme and crew members Amy L Wood, Emma Haxell, Clair Fennessy, Sandra Gates, and Maggie Hodge—began and ended their journey at Tower Bridge in London. They completed the challenge in just 44 days. This made them the first-ever team of six rowers, male or female, to complete the route and the fastest female team in history.

Crowds of supporters greeted them upon their return, and their accomplishment earned national media attention, including appearances on Sky TV and ITV’s Lorraine show.

Gratitude for Support

Speaking in London, Emma Wolstenholme expressed her gratitude:
“We’re absolutely ecstatic that we have broken the world record, and a little bit relieved that it’s all over! The British coastline is beautiful, and I feel privileged to have seen it from the water. I’m looking forward to walking around, taking showers, and sleeping in a bed!”

Click here to watch a video of their incredible journey.

Acclaim’s Commitment to Sustainability

Sandra Georgeson, Managing Director of Acclaim, shared her pride in supporting Team Ithaca:
“We’re very proud to sponsor Team Ithaca and to have played a small part in their success. During their journey, the team also conducted research that will help conservationists protect the marine environment. As a business committed to sustainability, this was an important factor in our decision to support the team. We thank the whole team for inspiring us and everyone who followed their journey.”

The Journey’s Challenges

Team Ithaca left London on June 4th. They traveled along the south coast, through the Irish Sea (passing the Isle of Man’s west coast), around Scotland’s north coast, and down the UK’s east coast before returning to London. The team braved rough seas and navigated the dangerous Pentland Firth, known as one of the most challenging stretches of water in the British Isles.

Supporting Carbon Neutral Goals

Acclaim supports the Isle of Man’s goal to become carbon neutral by 2050. As a UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man partner, the company has taken several steps to reduce its carbon footprint. These include running a paperless office, upgrading its heating system, and participating in tree planting with the Woodland Trust.