Welcome Aboard
The Team
Join the Journey

The First Female Team

to Row the Northwest Passage

EXPEDITION DATE- JULY-SEPTEMBER 2028

ANIAN – named after the mythical gateway to this passage

The Team

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

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 this year. 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 six ocean crossings and over 16,000 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

Why the Northwest Passage Matters

  • 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
  • The Anian team, 2027
  • Dawn Solo to Barbados World record, 2019
  • Liz SCA. The Ocean Race, 2013
  • Louise and Dawn Atlantic, 2021
  • Liz racing Maiden, 2019
  • Credit World’s Toughest Row, Dawn winning Pacific trio, 2023
  • Louise Round GB finish, 2025
  • Credit World’s Toughest Row, Solo Atlantic record, 2024
  • Credit World’s Toughest Row,Dawn pairs Atlantic, 2026
  • Liz and Louise Wind Whisperer, 2023
  • Credit World’s Toughest Row, Liz pairs Pacific, 2024
  • Dawn. King Charles Coronation, 2023
  • Maiden arriving in NY. World Tour. Liz skipper and Louise, 2022
Navigation

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.
    • Supporting Partner – targeted brand placement + social content.
    • Equipment / Technical Partner – products or services in exchange for exposure.
    Partnership Opportunities – PDF

    Why ANIAN Will Succeed

    A boat built for the Arctic, a route shaped by real data, decisions made with hard lessons in mind.
    This is about stacking the odds in our favour – one weather window at a time.

    ❄️ Purpose-Built Arctic Boat
    Which means less time repairing damage, and more time rowing when conditions allow.

    🌬️ Low Windage Deck design
    Streamlined profile, so every stroke counts and the strong northerly winds don’t blow us off course

    🧭 Smarter Western Start
    Rowing through long Arctic days while the weather holds.

    🏕️ Designed for Haul-Outs
    So we can drag her over rock and ice and camp 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 of us rests, allowing us to make the miles whenever the weather gives us a chance.

    🌧️ Rower Spray Protection
    Custom covers shield each of us 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.