Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable: Inspirational Ocean Rowing Talk in the Yorkshire Wolds

Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable: Inspirational Ocean Rowing Talk in the Yorkshire Wolds

Wold Escapes and the Yorkshire Wolds Cookery School, located in the heart of the Yorkshire Wolds, East Yorkshire, are delighted to be hosting a truly inspirational live talk this spring, welcoming the remarkable all-female ocean rowing team Seas the Day.

On Wednesday 18th March, guests are invited to hear first-hand the extraordinary story of resilience, teamwork and determination behind The Great Pacific Escapade, a record-breaking ocean rowing journey that saw two young British adventurers row across the Pacific Ocean, mainland to mainland, non-stop and unsupported.

An Unforgettable Yorkshire Wolds Event: Afternoon and Evening Talks

The talk will take place in the Yorkshire Wolds Cookery School dining rooms at Wold Escapes, with two sessions available to attend:

• 🕑 2pm talk
• 🕕 6pm talk
• 📍 Yorkshire Wolds Cookery School, Wold Escapes, YO25 9AF
• 🎟️ Tickets: £30
• 🥂 Welcome drink and nibbles included
• 🎟️ Limited tickets available

Book your ticket via our website

All ticket sales will be donated directly to the Outward Bound Trust.

The Great Pacific Escapade

On Saturday 18th October, at 18:42 local time in Cairns, Australia, Miriam Payne (26, from Market Weighton, East Yorkshire) and Jess Rowe (28, from Hampshire) made history by becoming the first women to row the Pacific Ocean mainland to mainland, completing the crossing non-stop and unsupported.

The pair spent 165 days at sea, rowing for up to 15 hours a day, covering an astonishing 8,213 nautical miles from Peru to Australia aboard Velocity, their 9-metre Rossiter Ocean rowing boat.

Their journey was defined as much by adversity as achievement. Just seven days into their first attempt, a broken rudder forced them to abandon the crossing and return to land. Undeterred, they regrouped, re-planned and launched a second attempt — one that demanded relentless mental strength and resilience.

Along the way they faced:

• 30-foot waves and driving storms
• Severe sleep deprivation
• Blisters, salt sores and physical exhaustion
• Technical failures to their power and water-making systems
• The loss of an oar to the Pacific Ocean

Their success is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when determination meets teamwork and a positive mindset.

Supporting the Outward Bound Trust

Throughout their journey, Seas the Day raised nearly £100,000 for the Outward Bound Trust, a UK-based charity that helps young people develop confidence, resilience and life skills through outdoor adventure.

By taking learning beyond the classroom, the Outward Bound Trust gives children and young adults the opportunity to challenge themselves, build self-belief and realise their potential through meaningful, real-world experiences.

By attending this talk, guests will not only be inspired — they will also be directly supporting this life-changing work.

Meet the Speakers

Miriam Payne (Mims)

An astrophysics graduate and founder of Seas the Day, Miriam first discovered rowing while studying at university in Glasgow. Despite growing up in the nearby landlocked town Market Weighton, she went on to row solo across the Atlantic in 2022, at one point holding the female solo race record.

Her passion for adventure, combined with a down-to-earth determination, has driven her to push physical and mental limits — and to inspire others to do the same.

Jess Rowe

An outdoor enthusiast, Atlantic Ocean rower and former yacht crew member, Jess brings calm resilience and infectious positivity to every challenge she undertakes. From cycling across Spain to walking the South West Coast Path, she thrives on exploring the outdoors and testing her limits.

Together, Miriam and Jess deliver a highly engaging and uplifting talk that encourages audiences to embrace discomfort, overcome challenges and rethink what is possible.

Book Tickets for This Yorkshire Wolds Event

This promises to be a powerful and memorable Yorkshire Wolds event, combining adventure storytelling, a warm welcome at Wold Escapes, and the chance to support an incredible cause — all within one of East Yorkshire’s most beautiful rural settings.

🎟️ Tickets are limited for both talks
📅 Wednesday 18th March
📍 Wold Escapes, Highfield Farm, Southburn Road, Driffield, YO25 9AF

Book now via our website to avoid disappointment.

Or give us a call in the Wold Escapes office on 01377 270607.