LONDON, UK. January 5th 2026 – In June 2026, a team of four elite adventurers will embark on a journey that pushes the absolute limits of human endurance: the Brain Waves Expedition. This 5,500-mile, 100-day unsupported row from Australia to Kenya marks the first time in history that a mixed crew will attempt to cross the Indian Ocean from continent to continent.
The crew will row in continuous two-hour shifts, 24 hours a day, facing 40-foot waves, extreme sleep deprivation (limited to 90-minute cycles), and the psychological toll of total isolation. With no support boat following them, the team must be entirely self-reliant; in an emergency, help could be up to five days away.
The expedition brings together four of the UK’s most resilient adventurers:
- Billy Taylor (Skipper): A veteran of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, Billy has dedicated his career to raising awareness for mental health and neurodegenerative diseases.
- Lara Vafiadis: A seasoned solo rower and the 23rd woman in history to row an ocean alone, having spent 98 days at sea during her 2023 Atlantic crossing.
- Susannah Cass: A world-record-holding adventure scientist who previously skippered the first crew to row from Portugal to Brazil.
- Glyn Roberts: An Ex-RAF officer and firefighter who brings elite tactical discipline and a lifetime of service to the vessel.
In completing this journey, Lara Vafiadis and Susannah Cass will become the first women in history to ever complete a continent-to-continent crossing of the Indian Ocean.
Beyond the physical record, the team aims to raise £500,000 for two life-changing charities:
- Race Against Dementia: Founded by Sir Jackie Stewart, OBE, to accelerate the global search for a cure.
- Rock 2 Recovery: Providing vital coaching and mental health support for veterans, 999 first responders, and their families.
“Brain Waves’ row across the Indian Ocean demonstrates the spirit of courage and endurance needed to overcome great odds,” says Sir Jackie Stewart, OBE. “I am honoured to support such an inspiring endeavour as we accelerate the search for a cure in our Race Against Dementia.”
The crew will serve as “adventure scientists,” partnering with major institutions to conduct groundbreaking research:
- Mental Health: In collaboration with Oxford Brookes University, the team will study how extreme physical exercise impacts symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- Plastic Pollution: Collecting water samples for the University of Michigan to help develop satellite technology that can monitor microplastic concentrations from space.
The Brain Waves Expedition is currently inviting forward-thinking businesses to join this historic journey. With a previous reach of 27 million people across the BBC, Sky News, and global outlets, sponsors are offered a unique platform for brand visibility, employee engagement, and alignment with world-class scientific and charitable impact.
ENDS