Dawn Smith
British Empire Medal Holder, Ocean Rower 4 x World Record Holder, Business Founder, Former Police Officer
Dawn Smith BEM is a remarkable individual with a wealth of experience and achievements. Having completed multiple ocean crossings, with more on the horizon, Dawn’s determination and resilience make her a truly exceptional speaker. Alongside her rowing Dawn is a Yachtmaster examiner and the founder of the successful Aurora Sea School.
In 2019 Dawn rowed 3000miles unsupported and solo across the Atlantic Ocean from Gran Canaria to Barbados becoming the 7th woman on the planet to have achieved this. Her story of this and subsequent rowing adventures is jaw dropping as you learn about the highs and lows, the shark, the storms and the dangers of being over a thousand miles from land alone.
Since her solo crossing, Dawn has gone on to row another five oceans within team settings. In 2021, she skippered a 12-person rowing boat across the Atlantic Ocean from Tenerife to Antigua, covering 2,771 nautical miles in 42 days. She repeated this feat with another 12-person crew in December 2022, completing the Atlantic crossing in 43 days over 2,759 nautical miles. In 2023, she skippered a three-woman team to row the Pacific Ocean from California to Hawaii—2,300 nautical miles in 40 days—claiming both a world record and victory in the Women’s Class.
In January 2025, she completed her fourth Atlantic crossing, this time as part of a four-woman team, once again winning the Women’s Class.
Dawn is the first person ever to win the Women’s Class in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans race ‘World’s Toughest Row’. In January 2026 Dawn claimed another world record as the fastest mixed Pair to row the Atlantic Ocean E-W.
Having experience of both solo and crew rowing, Dawn can offer valuable insight into both individual mindset variances and team performance under extreme pressure. Dawn can also draw upon a previous 26-year career as an officer for Essex Police where she excelled in multiple high-risk and leadership roles including working with Firearms.
Dawn’s incredible journey from the high-stakes world of policing to rowing across oceans is not only inspiring but also packed with valuable lessons on leadership, endurance, and personal growth. Her ability to connect with and empower diverse audiences makes her an ideal speaker for a range of events and industries.
Dawn’s engaging personality will draw you in; her high value and insightful lessons delivered through powerful story telling will remain with you.
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