The first all-female team to row the Northwest Passage

EXPEDITION DATE- JULY-SEPTEMBER 2027

The fabled Arctic sea route linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans is where Anian — named after the mythical gateway to this passage — will make history.

The Team

A small, resilient, and determined crew preparing to take on one of the most unforgiving routes on earth.

Liz Wardley

Liz Wardley is a professional sailor turned rower, known for her relentless drive and precision. After years racing high-speed yachts across oceans, she took on her first solo row—completing it in 44 days and smashing the female record by two weeks. She has since rowed the Pacific from California to the Marshall Islands and is preparing to race it again in 2026. Meticulous in preparation and calm under pressure, Liz brings experience, endurance and focus to Anian.

Dawn Smith

Dawn Smith BEM is a Yachtmaster Examiner and former police boat skipper with over 20 years’ experience on the water. Since retiring from the Police in 2022, she has completed five ocean crossings and over 13,000 nautical miles, earning two world records and two race class wins. Her leadership and expertise are second to none, including fastest female trio to row the mid-Pacific (2023) and Atlantic class winners (2024). A proven leader, Dawn anchors the Anian team.

Louise Brown

Louise Brown has twice rowed the Atlantic, first in 2021 with Dawn and again in 2025. A lifelong adventurer, she has also sailed the Atlantic both ways and competed at Grand Prix Dressage level before turning to ocean challenges. Calm, capable, and endlessly positive, Louise thrives under pressure and brings a steady, good-humoured energy to every expedition. Her balance of grit and optimism makes her a vital part of the Anian team.

The Route

A crossing shaped by nature.
A challenge defined by determination.

•As Arctic ice retreats at record pace, this historic ice-bound passage is transforming into open ocean – a route that will, in time, exist only as a sea crossing rather than a frozen one

•Our expedition will shine a light on climate change where it is most visible

•We’ll share a message of hope, resilience and action through global media, education and storytelling

•We will film a documentary of the voyage to create a lasting record of one of the last First’s

Join The Journey

•Align your brand with a pioneering, record-breaking expedition

•Champion women in adventure, science and exploration

•Reach international audiences through press, documentaries and digital storytelling

•Be part of a legacy that raises awareness for the planet’s most fragile region

We collaborate with brands who share our passion for adventure, leadership, and pushing human boundaries. Partnering with us is a chance to align with a powerful story and reach engaged global audiences

What you Get as a Partner

  • Brand Visibility: Logos on boats, gear, website, videos, press releases.
  • Global Storytelling: Regular content, updates, photography, and film assets.
  • Press & Media Exposure: Local, national, and expedition-specific coverage.
  • Association With Purpose: Sustainability, extreme challenge, human resilience, Arctic conservation, etc.
  • Employee Engagement: Talks, presentations, onboarding calls, Q&A events.

Partnership Options

  • Title Partner – primary brand position, exclusive category, major visibility.
  • Gold Partner – large-scale branding + content integration.
  • Supporting Partner – targeted brand placement + social content.
  • Equipment / In-Kind Partner – products or services in exchange for exposure.

Why ANIAN Will Succeed

❄️ Purpose-Built Arctic Boat
Lightweight and reinforced to be dragged repeatedly over ice and rock without damage.

🌬️ Low Windage Hull
Streamlined profile reduces drift in strong north winds and keeps us on course.

🧭 Smarter Western Start
Earlier ice melt, 24-hour daylight and a longer, safer weather window.

🏕️ Designed for Haul-Outs
Rapid beaching and safe camping when Arctic conditions make staying at sea impossible.

🛠️ Protected Rudder System
Liftable transom-hung rudder avoids damage during landings and shallow crossings.

🔄 24-Hour Capability
Two row while one rests, allowing continuous progress during good weather.

🌧️ Rower Spray Protection
Custom covers shield each rower from icy spray, rain and snow.

⚡ Reliable Arctic Power
Hydrogen system provides dependable power for navigation and communications.

💧 No Watermaker Risk
Abundant fresh water removes the need for freeze-prone watermakers.

A boat built for the Arctic, a route shaped by real data, and a strategy grounded in lessons learned.
This is how we will succeed where others could not.