The crew

Four men.One ocean.

A turkey farmer and two serving members of the RAF Regiment, with our fourth rower being announced soon. Three of us have rowed an ocean before. None of us have rowed one this big.

3of us rowed the Atlantic in 2024
40+years in the RAF Regiment, between Phil and Gary
£30,000+raised for charity before this row

Three of the Barney's Boys crew standing in front of Odyssey on her trailer — Three of the crew with Odyssey

The name

WhyBarney's Boys?

Barney was Rod's fourth child. He died of meningitis in 2005, when he was just three years old.

Raising awareness of meningitis has been an important part of Rod's life ever since. After the Atlantic, the sea still felt like unfinished business, so when the chance came to row the Indian Ocean he took it.

Barney's Boys was formed in Barney's memory. We're raising money for Meningitis Now and Get A-Head in his name. We're also supporting The Veterans Charity again, whose backing during the Atlantic campaign meant so much.

Meet the crew

The men in the boat.

The skipper

Rod Adlington

HomeSolihull

Day jobTurkey farmer

Ocean rowsAtlantic, 2024

Rod lives in Solihull with his wife Anna. They have three children: Toby, Lily and Monty.

After rowing the Atlantic in 2024 the sea always felt like unfinished business. When the chance came to row the Indian Ocean he jumped at it: a new crew, plenty of experience and the perfect chance to take on another huge challenge.

Rod came to endurance events a little later in life. He finds the fitness they demand compelling, along with the competition. He keeps looking for the next one. Recently he cycled from Land's End to John O'Groats with his daughter Lily and son Toby, raising more than £15,000.

10 days

Land's End to John O'Groats by bike, 100 miles a day

£15,000+

Raised on that ride with Lily and Toby

Other skills, rated by Rod

Sailing extensively in the UK and MedRelaxed
Years of playing grass roots rugbyVery average
Racing cars on and off for yearsReckless!!

From Morecambe to the RAF Regiment

Phil Angus “Gus”

Home townMorecambe, Lancashire

Day jobFlight Sergeant, RAF Regiment

Ocean rowsAtlantic, 2024 (skipper)

Phil joined the RAF Regiment in 2006 and served eight years with 63 Squadron, the Queen's Colour Squadron, rising to Corporal and completing three tours of Afghanistan and one in the Middle East. He went on to train recruits at RAF Halton and helped set up a new course for people rejoining or transferring from the Army and Navy. He later became a Training Supervisor.

Promoted to Flight Sergeant in 2026, he is now second in command of the Force Protection Training Flight at RAF Odiham.

In 2024 he skippered the Atlantic Rocks crew from Lanzarote to Antigua. Their boat flooded on day four and ruined a quarter of the rations. They lost satellite contact on day 12, their backup generator on day 15 and all power on day 17. For the next 33 days they navigated by map and compass, steering by foot.

Phil is married to Katie and is dad to Rhys, a talented young goalkeeper. He's quick to say none of this would be possible without them.

61d 19h 13m

Lanzarote to Antigua, skippering Atlantic Rocks

33 days

Navigating by map and compass after total power loss

70 miles

Around the Isle of Wight with a 45lb pack in 23 hours 13 minutes, a record

Under 24 hours

The National Three Peaks Challenge, carrying the same 45lb pack

A life of service

Gary Binns “Binnsy”

ServiceRAF Regiment since 2003

ToursIraq and Afghanistan

Ocean rowsAtlantic, 2024

Gary has served in the RAF Regiment for 23 years. He is a qualified military parachutist and an experienced instructor in first aid, CBRN defence and weapons training. He now helps prepare military personnel for operational deployments.

In 2024 he was lead organiser and a member of the four-man crew that rowed about 3,200 miles across the Atlantic from Lanzarote to Antigua. The self-supported crossing took 61 days.

His challenges have always been about more than personal achievement. He works closely with The Veterans Charity and has raised more than £15,000 for charity through endurance events.

3,200 miles

Across the Atlantic in 2024, self-supported

400+ miles

Run in just 12 days

“Pushing boundaries, supporting others and demonstrating what can be achieved through determination, preparation and the refusal to give up.”

Gary Binns

Announcing soon

Seat four

The fourth rower

Our fourth crew member is being announced soon. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to hear first.

Back the crew.

Every mile we row raises money for three charities. Give a mile or put your brand on the boat.

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