Graduate, 66, rows into history with Pacific world record
A University of Bradford alum and honorary graduate says it feels ‘incredibly humbling’ to make history by becoming the oldest person ever to row across the Pacific Ocean.
Kevin Gaskell, 66, a former Porsche and BMW UK CEO, completed the 2,800-nautical-mile journey from Monterey, California to Kauai, Hawaii in just over 32 days as part of the five-man Ocean5 crew, smashing two world records in the process.
Gaskell, who studied Civil Engineering at Bradford, was part of a team that not only set the record for the fastest five-man row across the Pacific but also saw him become the oldest person to complete the feat.
He said: “It’s incredibly humbling. I didn’t set out to break an age record, I set out to test what’s possible when we bring passion, belief and teamwork together. Making history is a bonus. I’ve always believed that age is no barrier when you have purpose.
“Crossing that finish line was an extraordinary moment. There’s a real sense of fulfilment, not just in achieving something physically demanding, but in sharing the journey with an amazing crew and proving that ordinary people can do extraordinary things.”
Powered by oars and freeze-dried food
The Ocean5 team, comprising Gaskell, his son Matt, Tom Higham, Patrick Deacon, and Stephen Greenan, rowed aboard the Lady Jane II, a 9.6-metre Rannoch RX45 powered solely by oars and sustained by solar panels and 500kg of freeze-dried food.
Their mission was not only to break records but also to raise over £75,000 for The Lewis Moody Foundation, supporting brain tumour research through The Brain Tumour Charity.
The crew, rowing in shifts around the clock, faced extreme weather, sleep deprivation, and physical exhaustion during their 32-day, six-hour and 51-minute crossing, beating the previous record by nearly 20 days.
Challenging the impossible
While Gaskell has hinted that this may be his final ocean row, he remains committed to pushing boundaries.
He said: “Life is about challenging the impossible. The Ocean5 may go on, stronger, bolder, and ready for whatever comes next.”
This is not Gaskell’s first record-breaking expedition. In 2019, he was part of the fastest five-man crew to row the Atlantic Ocean. He has also walked to both the North and South Poles, climbed some of the world’s highest mountains, and played international cricket. His book, Catching Giants, was shortlisted for Business Book of the Year in 2023.
Who is Kevin Gaskell?
Kevin Gaskell, a graduate of the University of Bradford, built his career in the construction, chemical and automotive industries.
Appointed Managing Director of Porsche GB, his team turned a failing business into the UK’s most profitable car company. After returning Lamborghini GB to profitability, he led BMW UK to a 500 per cent increase in profitability.
In 2000 he left BMW to found technology company epyx Limited. From 2001 to 2007 he was CEO of EurotaxGlass’s in Switzerland, leading a €500 million sale of the company. He now acts as chairman to early-stage companies. With his son he has walked to both the North and South Poles and climbed some of the world’s highest mountains to raise funds for cancer research.
He was given an honorary degree by the University of Bradford in July 2016.