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One of our own on the sailing world stage

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December 23, 2025

Whitianga & the Coromandel are being represented on the world stage by one of our own

‘You Row Girl’ is the name of the cross-Atlantic rowing expedition by these four young women who are already world class, competitive sailors with high level international achievements.

Charlotte Porter’s amazing journey with Sail GP – an international high speed, high tech sail racing competition founded by Sir Russell Coutts and Larry Ellison. Her plan is to row over 4,800 kms (3,000 miles) across the Atlantic with three other women.

INTERVIEW WITH CHARLOTTE PORTER

A little about me (Charlotte): I’m 27 years old and the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula is my home. For five years, I’ve worked as a physiotherapist at Physio First in Whitianga, alongside taking on the role of Lead Global Physiotherapist for SailGP over the last 12 months. In this role, I support nine of the twelve teams on the circuit, travelling internationally and helping athletes manage injuries and maintain performance. During my physiotherapy studies, I spent every summer in the Coromandel working alongside Mat Collicott and the awesome team at Boom Sailing. Those summers were spent on the water, taking people on sailing tours and teaching them how to sail. Mercury Bay is truly made for sailing and is an incredibly special part of the world.

I have a background in paramedic science and have previously worked as an on-water medic for the America’s Cup in Barcelona. At present, I’m based back in the Coromandel over summer, continuing my role at Physio First, before heading to Perth in early January for the start of SailGP Season 6. I will continue at the physio clinic in Whitianga until March 2026.

Sailing has been a major part of my life. Over recent years, I’ve competed on both the Open and Women’s World Match Racing Tours. In 2022, 2024, and 2025, my NZ Women’s Match Racing Team placed second at the Women’s Match Racing World Championships. The quest for a world title will continue at some stage… Offshore sailing has also played a huge role in my career, with the 2023 Ocean Race Europe marking a major milestone.

2026 is going to look a little different for me.

‘YOU ROW GIRL’

I’ve teamed up with three incredible women to row across the Atlantic Ocean in December 2026 as part of The World’s Toughest Row. This is a 3,000-mile, fully unassisted crossing from San Sebastián de La Gomera (Canary Islands) to Antigua, expected to take 40 to 50 days. Our team consists of two English women, one Australian, and me as the Kiwi.

Together we are ‘You Row Girl’. All of us come from competitive sailing backgrounds and have raced with or against one another over the years. Ocean rowing is entirely new territory for us, which is part of what makes this challenge so exciting. We’re motivated by the opportunity to learn a new sport and push ourselves in a completely different way. The gym routines are different, the conversations are different, and the learning curve is steep. The most common question I get asked is: “But why?” The unique challenge, the mental and physical demands, and being completely self-sufficient are what draw me in.

The race is entirely self-sufficient. We’ll rely on a water maker, onboard navigation systems, satellite communications, and 55 days of dehydrated food, while rowing on a 2-hours on/2-hours off cycle, 24/7. Two of us will be rowing at all times, with the option for three during tougher conditions. Daily energy expenditure is expected to exceed 5,000 calories, making nutrition, injury prevention, and overall health critical, particularly managing chafing, salt sores, blisters, fatigue, and sleep deprivation in the harsh ocean environment.

Our boat is purpose-built for ocean rowing and designed to withstand extreme conditions. While the challenge is significant, all teams are supported 24/7 by land-based race officers via satellite phone, with safety yachts available in emergencies. Mandatory safety training, qualifying rowing hours, and pre- and post-race medical checks are all part of this.

SUPPORTING TWO CHARITIES

We are rowing in support of Women in Sport and CoppaFeel! Women in Sport is a charity aimed at making physical activity accessible and enjoyable for women and girls, breaking down barriers that have limited participation.

CoppaFeel! is a breast cancer awareness charity focused on encouraging early detection by teaching young people how to check their breasts and educating them about breast cancer.

From March 2026, I’ll be based in the UK, where our team’s boat is currently located in Poole. Training is already underway, and once I arrive, we’ll begin full team training blocks.

Alongside my own preparation, I’ll continue my physiotherapy role with SailGP, travelling internationally to support athletes throughout the season. I am currently in the process of working out where I will live in the UK and what work I’ll do alongside my SailGP work and training.

Preparation and support

We’re now deep in the preparation phase, including training, fundraising, building partnerships, seeking sponsorship, and sharing our story. Having only recently joined the team, I’m particularly keen to share this journey here in New Zealand, bringing people along for the ride, especially the amazing community here in the Coromandel.

The financial challenge of getting to the starting line is significant. We have currently raised approximately £69,000 (~$160,000 NZD). Our goal is to raise another £101,000 (~$234,000 NZD). We are seeking sponsors-in-kind and financial partners to help make this adventure possible and to share in representing the Coromandel and New Zealand on the world stage.

I would love to bring the Coromandel and New Zealand along on this journey, and there are many ways to get involved. This could include sponsors-in-kind, such as safety products, gear, or nutrition to support our training and preparation. Financial support is also hugely valuable, helping us cover costs such as boat transport and shipping from the UK to the start line, safety equipment, coaching and race fees, and other expedition expenses. Additionally, promotional partnerships, including sharing our story with your network, media channels, or community can help raise awareness of our journey and the charities we are supporting. I am also open to fundraising activities or community talks, to connect with local supporters and inspire participation in sport.

I would be particularly keen to host a Girls and Women in Sport event here in the Coromandel, sharing my journey in sport so far and hopefully inspiring local females to get involved or challenge themselves within the sporting setting. If you’re interested in helping this event come to life, please reach out, or let me know if you have items we could raffle off at the event. I would also love to talk to anyone who has experience in ocean rowing.

Every bit of support helps us get closer to the start line and ensures we can proudly represent our amazing charities, Women in Sport and CoppaFeel!, and, for me personally, New Zealand and the Coromandel.

Please feel free to reach out to me at charlotteporter09@gmail.com or our team email info@yourowgirl.com if you would like to get involved. Website: https://www.yourowgirl.com (Donation links and sponsorship information available here).

Instagram: @yourowgirl

Facebook: You Row Girl

Let’s get behind Charlotte and her team by donating and supporting her efforts

Some of what we can do:

• Sponsors-in-kind (as above)

• Donations

• Support and raise awareness of their journey and the important cause behind it

• Host an event (as above)