Magdalene alumna prepares for historic Indian Ocean rowing expedition

Magdalene alumna, Dr Susannah Cass (2006), is entering the final days of preparation for a world‑first attempt to row across the Indian Ocean.

Dr Cass is part of the four‑person Brainwaves crew, which will depart Western Australia on 16 June to undertake a 5,500 mile unsupported journey to Kenya. As one of the most experienced members of the crew she brings a strong track record in extreme endurance. She has already completed two ocean crossings and became the first woman to row across the Atlantic from Europe to South America.

Dr Cass remains an active member of Magdalene Boat Club and the Mallory Club, and until recently served as MBC Director of Rowing.

The team is attempting to secure two world records through this expedition, becoming the first mixed crew and the first women to complete this continent to continent Indian Ocean crossing by human power alone. The expedition will demand extraordinary resilience, the crew will spend between 80 and 100 days at sea in a 28 foot rowing boat with no onboard facilities. Their routine will follow a continuous two hour rowing and two hour rest cycle, day and night. They are expected to face extreme ocean conditions, including large swells, intense heat and prolonged isolation.

Alongside the physical challenge, the crossing remains closely connected to education and research. The crew is partnering with Learn Live UK to deliver live sessions into thousands of classrooms, offering students direct insight into ocean science, geography and human endurance. The journey will also support scientific research, including the collection of microplastic samples and monitoring how the human body and brain respond to sustained stress, fatigue and isolation.

At the heart of the expedition is a fundraising target of £500,000 for two organisations, Race Against Dementia, which funds research into treatments and cures, and Rock2Recovery, which provides mental health support for veterans and emergency service personnel.

Magdalene wishes Dr Cass and the crew every success as they prepare to set out on this remarkable challenge. The College community will be following her progress closely and cheering her on throughout the journey.