The Team

Born and raised in Lincoln, UK, Charlie joined the Royal Navy as a commissioned officer as soon as he finished school at 18 years old. He trained as aircrew in Merlin Mk2 helicopters where he deployed all over the world for 14 years. This included time on the UK aircraft carriers and a secondment to an Italian aircraft carrier. Now looking towards a career change, he will take this opportunity to volunteer for an NGO in Nepal in 2025. He is studying his Masters degree in Performance Psychology in his spare time whilst doing his best to grow his own vegetables in his allotment (with varying degrees of success). Charlie started rowing on the water from 13 years old, and continues to love the water, paddleboarding, wild swimming, the works. 

​

Sports have always formed an essential part of my life; I played waterpolo and hockey in my childhood, before changing to fitness and hiking. Three years ago I discovered rowing, which has since become one of my favourite activities. After having watched an ocean rowing documentary, a seed was planted and curiosity and preparation eventually led to being offered the opportunity to join Team Raring to Row. I have an adventurous mindset and drive to find challenges in which I can push myself and be part of a team. My personal chosen charity is the KWF (Koningin Wilhelmina Fonds); an important Dutch charity that is raising funds to combat cancer. Cancer has affected all of us, either personally or amongst our families and friends and supporting future research will help saving lives.

Born and raised in Lincoln, UK, Charlie joined the Royal Navy as a commissioned officer as soon as he finished school at 18 years old. He trained as aircrew in Merlin Mk2 helicopters where he deployed all over the world for 14 years. This included time on the UK aircraft carriers and a secondment to an Italian aircraft carrier. Now looking towards a career change, he will take this opportunity to volunteer for an NGO in Nepal in 2025. He is studying his Masters degree in Performance Psychology in his spare time whilst doing his best to grow his own vegetables in his allotment (with varying degrees of success). Charlie started rowing on the water from 13 years old, and continues to love the water, paddleboarding, wild swimming, the works. 

The Sea as always played a big part in my life, I grew up on the coast of the Baltic Sea. Swimming, rowing and even attempts to build our own boats as children formed a strong relation with the Sea. Later in life, I joined the Navy to experience life at sea. Various deployments got me as far as the Indian Ocean, crossing the line in the Atlantic and being around in the Mediterranean Sea. As the opportunity arose to join the team on the trip across the Pacific, I did not have to think twice. I was already in exploration mode, to learn about myself in such conditions and leaving my comfort zone behind. For me, rowing across the Pacific within the team is a way to strengthen and inspire each other, to bring out the best in each other and to arrive at the end as one unit.