News

Pembrokeshire rowers set off on Atlantic challenge after weather delays

Published

1 year ago

February 7, 2025

A TEAM of Pembrokeshire rowers has finally embarked on their gruelling 3,200-mile journey across the Atlantic after being held back by rough weather for over a week.

Team Cruising Free—comprising Sophie Pierce from Johnston, Miyah Periam from Milford Haven, Polly Zipperlen from Llangwm, and Janine Williams from Neyland—departed from Lanzarote on Saturday, February 1, as part of the 2025 Atlantic Dash.

The first few hours at sea proved punishing, with towering waves and relentless seasickness making the transition to life on the water anything but smooth. However, in a message to supporters, the rowers reassured everyone that they were adjusting and settling into a rhythm.

***The Atlantic Dash team lines up before the adventure starts (Pic: Supplied)***

Making history on the waves

The four-woman crew is one of only four teams competing in this year’s Atlantic Dash and is rowing in aid of three charities: Paul Sartori Hospice at Home, the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, and Emily’s Entourage—a charity supporting research into cystic fibrosis.

For team member Sophie, the challenge is particularly personal. As someone living with cystic fibrosis, she hopes to become the first person with the condition to row the Atlantic. Meanwhile, 70-year-old Janine is aiming to set her own record as the oldest woman to complete the crossing.

Speaking before their departure, Sophie shared the team’s mix of excitement and nerves. “There’s a lot of uncertainty, so we’re focusing on taking it step by step rather than thinking about the entire journey to Antigua in one go.”

A tough start at sea

Once underway, the rowers quickly felt the brutal reality of their mission. Sophie described the opening stretch as exhausting, with the team rowing in two-hour shifts.

“The waves are huge, and we’re all shattered,” she said in a voice note home. “We’re covered in bruises, and I managed to smack my rib with an oar in the swell, so that’s sore. Miyah has been really seasick, but she’s finally managed to eat, which is a good sign. Polly’s also struggling with seasickness, but we’re pushing through.”

Despite the challenges, the team remains positive, helped by favourable wind and swell conditions that are carrying them in the right direction.

Community support driving them forward

The rowers have expressed immense gratitude for the backing they’ve received, particularly from their lead sponsor, Bluestone, as well as Dale Sailing, which supplied new solar panels to ensure their boat was fully prepared for the crossing.

Sophie also highlighted the camaraderie among the Atlantic Dash teams, describing the past month as a time of mutual support and encouragement.

Team Cruising Free is documenting their journey via Facebook, where supporters can follow their progress across the Atlantic.

Local Government

Clean-up after yacht wrecked on rocks at Lower Town, Fishguard

Published

11 hours ago

March 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A YACHT that ran aground on rocks at Lower Town in Fishguard is being cleared by Pembrokeshire County Council after debris washed onto the shoreline.

Council officers attended the scene to assess the situation and begin removing wreckage after the vessel was found stranded among the rocks.

Heavy machinery was brought in to help clear debris from the beach, with workers seen dismantling parts of the damaged yacht and removing material that had scattered along the shoreline.

Pembrokeshire County Council confirmed it is aware of the incident and has issued a Notice to Mariners, warning of the potential presence of floating debris in the surrounding waters.

The notice advises vessels navigating in the area to exercise caution while clearance work continues.

No further details about how the yacht came to run aground have been released.

Cover pic:

Council workers clear debris from a yacht that ran aground at Lower Town, Fishguard.

Community

Sea Cadets receive grant, donation and celebrate World Book Day

Published

11 hours ago

March 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN SEA CADETS have had a busy and successful week, with new equipment arriving at the unit, a donation from a local organisation, and junior members taking part in World Book Day activities.

The Milford Haven unit recently received delivery of new Standard Horizon VHF radios, which will be used during the upcoming boating season. The equipment was purchased after the group successfully secured funding through the RCD Foundation Grant.

The radios will help cadets develop important communication and safety skills while taking part in maritime training on the water.

The unit also received a £100 donation from Neyland Lodge, with cadets presented with a cheque during the week. Staff at the unit said the contribution would help support activities and training opportunities for young people involved in the organisation.

Leaders at the unit thanked the lodge for its support, describing the donation as a welcome boost for the cadet group.

Meanwhile, junior Sea Cadets marked World Book Day by taking part in a special visit to their local library. Along with members of the Junior Training Organisation (JTO), the young cadets dressed up and learned about the role of a librarian.

During the visit, they explored the library and each chose a favourite book, helping to encourage reading and learning outside the classroom.

Milford Haven Sea Cadets said the week highlighted the wide range of experiences available to cadets, from maritime training and community support to educational activities.

The unit is part of the wider Sea Cadet network operating across West Wales and continues to provide opportunities for young people in the Milford Haven area to develop skills, confidence and teamwork.

Local Government

Petition calling for clean rivers policy wins unanimous support at County Hall

Published

11 hours ago

March 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A PETITION calling for Pembrokeshire County Council to adopt a stronger Clean Rivers Policy has received unanimous support from councillors at County Hall.

The petition, backed by environmental campaigners and community groups, was presented during a meeting of the council on Thursday (Mar 6). Supporters in the public gallery applauded after councillors expressed their backing for the proposals.

The presentation was delivered by James Harrison-Allen, representing The Cleddau Project, a volunteer-led initiative focused on protecting and restoring the River Cleddau and its surrounding environment.

Campaigners said the atmosphere inside the council chamber was “extraordinary”, with councillors from across the political spectrum voicing support for improving river protection measures in Pembrokeshire.

The petition calls for the council to adopt a clearer policy aimed at improving water quality and tackling pollution affecting local rivers.

Supporters say pollution from multiple sources, including agricultural run-off and sewage discharges, has placed increasing pressure on rivers across Wales, including the Eastern and Western Cleddau.

Following the presentation, councillors backed the petition unanimously, prompting applause from members of the public and campaign supporters in attendance.

The campaign has drawn support from a number of environmental organisations including West Wales Rivers Trust, River Action UK, and the Campaign for National Parks.

Representatives from several organisations and public bodies were also acknowledged by campaigners, including Natural Resources Wales, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, and Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, as well as local political representatives Henry Tufnell MP, Samuel Kurtz MS, and Paul Davies MS.

Campaigners say the decision marks an important step in raising awareness of river pollution issues affecting the Cleddau catchment and wider waterways across Pembrokeshire.

The Cleddau Project said the outcome was “a great day for the Cleddau” and praised the work of volunteers and supporters who have helped drive the campaign forward.