At 35 years old, Mathew Bennett’s CV looks like he’s picked random careers out of a hat. Having joined the Military Police at 18, Mathew has gone on to study a combined honours degree in Social Sciences, worked as  security contractor in Iraq, been a sales trader in financial markets in London and Monaco.  During this random collision of careers Mathew volunteered as a mentor at a children’s care home which inspired him to at invest in a pilot project creating a unique sports and activity provisions for young people in care.  This along with other investments now provides with him with what he describes as “full time job”.  As a bachelor in his mid 30’s Mathew decided that he would like to embark on a adventure of a life time with friends before its too late. Having seen a programme describe rowing the Atlantic advertised as one of the most physically enduring challenges on the planet, he set about enlisting a group of friends that he believed, not only could endure such a challenge but that would also make it enjoyable. After a small amount of persuasion assisted by a large amount of beer we now have “Team Essence” who really are the rogues of ocean rowing.

Oliver Bailey grew up in the seedy environs of Camden Town in North London – the farthest place from an ocean on the planet. After moving to Bath and then Manchester to study philosophy, Oliver travelled across the US and lived in Sydney briefly, before returning to London and working in creative advertising, reality TV and film production, while moonlighting as head of security at some of London’s most renowned music venues. Oliver then began a career in finance and currently works for a Swiss private bank in Belgravia and has recently founded an agri-technology project that is seeking to offer production and processing solutions to the coming global protein crisis. Oliver is an avid Arsenal supporter and has engaged in numerous sports since he was a youth including football, rugby, athletics & cross country. Ski-touring, climbing, running and CrossFit currently occupy his leisure time and he is thrilled to be a part of the Matthew’s rowing adventure.

Jason Fox joined the Royal Marine Commandos at 16 having barely completed his schooling in Luton.  After travelling the globe, playing sport and generally mincing about Foxy felt it was time to graft a little.  After completing Special Forces selection he joined the Special Boat Service (SBS) where upon he spent the next ten years at war fighting away, with the odd holiday thrown in between tours.  Now, being part of an organisation with the word boat in, you would have thought, would hold benefit to rowing across the Atlantic. Unfortunately those ten years were spent in landlocked countries or at least ones with little coast line!  Jason left the military in 2012 and has since started up a company that supports veterans suffering from PTSD; he is also a security consultant. He enjoys all outdoor activities which include skiing, climbing, skydiving but definitely NOT rowing.

Aldo Kane has lead an extremely adventurous life. Following only one job as a paperboy, Aldo joined the Royal Marine Commandos and proceeded to become one of the youngest Snipers in the UK armed forces. Aldo spent 10 years in total operating around the globe in all environments including war in the Middle East. Since leaving the Royal Marines, Aldo now provides safety services for some of the world’s largest TV and film productions, often operating for long times in some of the world’s most hostile and extreme environments. Aldo can often be found hanging about on ropes in places where the foreign office have banned all travel. Aldo will be the tea boy of the crossing.