Ruby Scholten, an Avalon local who has represented Australia win Women's Match Racing sailing events, will leave safe shores on the 12th of December this year taking on the Atlantic Ocean - rowing 4800kms as part of a race called the World's Toughest Row.
Ruby explains:
‘’Growing up in Avalon fostered my love for the water and being part of such an active community developed my passion for sport. I grew up spending every spare moment at Avalon Beach or on Pittwater. If I was outside on the water I was happy.
I am now a Registered Nurse (beginning my career at Northern Beaches Hospital), competitive sailor, learning to sail at Avalon Sailing Club, then competing from the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, and now representing the country on the world stage. With my latest challenge I will take on the Atlantic Ocean. ‘’
The challenge:
''I have teamed up with 3 other incredible women and we will be racing 4800 kilometres from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua in the Caribbean. This will be an adventure of a lifetime, and will push us to our limits.
We will face huge seas, a range of wildlife from very small to very big and we will do an excess of 1.5 million oar strokes. Eating only freeze dried and maintaining a 2 hours on 2 hours off watch system. We are estimating the race will take us between 40 -50 days depending on the weather. This challenge is unassisted, there is no getting off to sleep, shower or escape bad weather. We will exist on our boat "Mermaid" - 8.64 metres long and 1.7 metres wide.
I have just relocated to the UK, a world away from home to train and prepare to take on this challenge. Moving away from family, friends, the beautiful beaches and my secure job is scary but the thought of not taking on this challenge is even scarier. So I packed my bags and have committed myself 100%. Representing Australia from afar.
We are taking on this challenge not just to test ourselves but we want other women and girls to see that they can dream fearlessly and take on big scary adventures that may challenge the social norms.
We are just 4 very normal women, working full time jobs, while preparing to take on this adventure of a lifetime, pushing ourselves to the very limits. Any support we can get is beyond helpful.''
''We are rowing to aid two charities that aim to uplift and support women. CoppaFeel! - a breast cancer awareness charity and Women In Sport - a research based charity looking at the disparity of girls in sport and how this affects society and the future.
By supporting these two charities we want to create space for women to pursue their dreams, while facilitating the conversation on historically taboo topics through educating women on their body and prioritising health.''
A chat with Ruby provides a few more insights:
Who are the other women rowing with you?
I have teamed up with 3 incredible women, all of whom are also sailors. So it is quite exciting that we can take our sailing skills and apply them to ocean rowing. Over the past 6 years the 4 of us have competed mainly against each other on the Women's World Match Racing Circuit, and now we will be racing together.
Let me introduce them: Hebe Hemming (UK) - the ideas woman, while sailing down the coast of Africa she saw an ocean rowing boat competing in the race and thus the idea was born, she is a boat builder working for Sail GP her skills may come in handy. Amy Sparks (UK) - as soon as Hebe called suggesting the idea Amy was on board, she is a financial advisor. Charlotte Porter (NZL) - an incredible sailor and physio, she is also working for sail GP as the global traveling physio.
The You Row Girl team in training
Why did you go into nursing?
When coming to the end of high school I was thinking about what I wanted to do as a career. My aunty who is a nurse suggested nursing and after a small amount of research I was sold. After my first day of hospital placement during university I knew I made the right choice. To be able to care for and support those in need is a privilege. I love the connections you make with patients and the ability to really make a difference, even if it is just bringing them a cup of tea - sometimes it's the small things that make the biggest difference. The job is diverse, challenging and has so many opportunities to learn, which I love.
What are your best sailing on Pittwater memories?
Where do I start?! I honestly don't think I have had a bad day on Pittwater.
My earliest memories are from learning to sail at Avalon sailing club, sailing out through the moorings and into the middle of Pittwater all on my own, feeling so strong and proud of myself.
I joined the RPAYC Youth Development Program when I was about 18, being on the water every weekend, learning new skills, making friends for life and
When I got older and into competitive sailing, what stands out to me was the early morning training sessions, getting to the boat in the dark and the sun coming up as we are sailing out, there is really nothing quite like Pittwater at sunrise when no one else is around.
Avalon sailing club and the RPAYC both have a history of fostering and supporting sailing for girls and women - why is this important?
This is incredibly important as it is how we grow and develop the sport. By supporting the women in sailing it has a trickle down effect to the little girls just getting into sport, to look to the adults in sport and see women performing at high levels and competing with the boys it builds confidence and shows a path they otherwise may not have dreamed possible. We only need to look at some of the top females in the sport to see that ASC and RPAYC have a strong community in supporting female sailors - Katie Spithall, Alice Tarnawaski, Clare Costanzo, Jess Angus, Tash Bryant to name a few.
What did you do at Avalon Beach?
Surfing and swimming! at every opportunity. A dip at Avalon beach after a bad day fixes everything.
What training regime are you 4 undertaking?
Our training involves a lot of on land training on the rowing machine increasing time and wattage, we also do other endurance sports that we enjoy such as running and cycling to keep variety. We also incorporate rowing specific weights training to help reduce the risk of injury and build muscle mass. Flexibility and mobility are also very important as we sit in cramped areas on the boat.
On the water training is the most important element. Getting to know the ins and outs of the boat, practicing routines and learning equipment. We will also be working on our navigation skills. Our on water training sessions will be up to 5 days long, simulating race conditions as best as we can.
How can people support this huge effort to raise funds for the team’s chosen charities, CoppaFeel! and Women In Sport?
The best way to support us is through our Australian Sports Foundation Website: https://asf.org.au/campaigns/yourowgirl
Following along via our social media is also extremely helpful.
Website: www.yourowgirl.com
Instagram: @yourowgirl
Facebook: You Row Girl
What are your favourite places in Pittwater and why?
My favourite place is probably the north end of Clareville Beach particularly at sunset, I have a lot of really nice memories there. Avalon Sailing Club is also special to me.
What is your motto for life or a favourite phrase you try to live by?
Be brave, do things that scare you.
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One for you Ruby- Clareville Beach