Rowing solo across the Atlantic Ocean

October 10, 2019

In 1969, John Fairfax made history by becoming the first person to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Traveling more than 5,000 miles from Las Palmas in the Canary Islands to Hollywood Beach, Florida, Fairfax survived rough seas, battled storms, violent winds, blisters, a shark attack and falling overboard to achieve his life's mission.

Now 50 years later, Deloitte professional Terence Steinberg is intent on making a similar journey across the Atlantic Ocean as a part of the United World Challenge to inspire others to be more courageous and to raise scholarships for United World Colleges (UWC).

“My goal is to inspire a more courageous world and to show that with the right preparation and attitude, anything is possible,” shared Terence. “I also want to raise at least one full scholarship to the United World College, where I was inspired as a student."

A good cause

Inspired by his time as a 17-year-old student at the United World College of the Adriatic in Italy, Terence decided to embark on this expedition as a way to pay it forward to new students.

“My two years at UWC taught me the world is so much smaller than it looks; humanity is all more alike than different, and we are each much stronger than we assume,” shared Terence. 

Up for the challenge

Terence, who works as a manager with the Deloitte Consulting LLP’s Strategy & Analytics practice, is an adventurer by land and sea. Over the past ten years, Terence has run 43 marathons, completed two Ironman triathlons, and powered through ultramarathons of up to 145 miles nonstop. But this solo row across the Atlantic Ocean is by far his most challenging and meaningful adventure.

Preparation for the expedition has been both intense and time-consuming. Along with his full-time role at Deloitte, Terence has been preparing for more than a year. He has been dividing his time between training and preparation, with a large chunk of his time dedicated to fundraising and spreading awareness of the United World Challenge campaign.

“The hardest part of ocean rowing is reaching the starting line. Fundraising and logistics are like a full-time job. To help cover my costs and expand the reach of my campaign to inspire a more courageous world, I'm working with corporate sponsors and launched a crowdfunding campaign.”

Lending a helping hand

Deloitte colleagues have been eager to lend a helping hand, from donations to words of encouragement and support. Terence’s colleagues have rallied around this cause because Terence’s mission to make an impact and to give back are a few of the core values that make up Deloitte’s culture.

“Colleagues love it and have raised over $10,000 for my crowdfunding campaign, but one of the things that have been most helpful is Deloitte's benefits program which includes a well-being subsidy and a Sabbatical Program, where I will be able to take three months away from work.”

Terence is set to begin his journey in December 2019, where he will row solo from La Gomera, Spain 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean to Antigua in the Caribbean. The journey will see Terence rowing more than twelve hours per day for up to three months without seeing a single soul, but he is motivated by a cause and is confident he can do it.

“Even just a few years ago, I could never have imagined I’d be preparing to row across the Atlantic Ocean alone. But during my decade-plus of endurance racing, I learned that every assumption I’ve made about my limits were invalid. As an athlete and person, my mind and heart are my greatest strengths. Through the United World Challenge, I aim to inspire my Deloitte colleagues and the public to find their own sources of strength and to trust themselves to take a risk.”

If you are interested in supporting Terence visit the United World Challenge website to learn more.   

Learn more

• Well-being needs are different for everyone. Deloitte is committed to supporting the diverse well-being needs of its people in body, mind, and purpose. Learn more about our well-being initiatives.
• The well-being subsidy and sabbatical program are only one of the many benefits offered to Deloitte employees. Learn more about our benefits and rewards.