A Nottinghamshire couple are not only aiming to race across the Atlantic later this year – they’ll be involved in a major research project at the same time!
Jooles and Ian Paillin-Dean from Ratcliffe-on-Soar are taking on what’s known as the ‘World’s Toughest Row’ – 3000 miles battling waves up to 30 feet high, rowing around the clock for weeks on end.
The husband and wife are hoping to be one of the fastest couples ever to achieve the feat, raising thousands for charity in the process.
But the adventure will test their relationship to the limit. They’ll have to avoid not only falling into the water, but also falling out with each other! That’s why they’ve attracted the interest of psychologists in Switzerland.
Researchers at the University of Zurich are investigating how collaborating couples behave in extreme circumstances, and whether the fact that they’re in a romantic relationship affects how they act as a team.
Jooles and Ian have already undergone lengthy interviews, which will be repeated as their preparations continue for the World’s Toughest Row next December.
During the race they’ll record daily video and voice diaries for the researchers, about how they’re feeling and how they’re performing together. There will then be more interviews afterwards.
Jooles said: “This sounds like an important study and we’re happy to support it, even if means we’ll be well and truly under the microscope!”
Ian added: “We’re under no illusions about how tough the race will be, including things like blisters and sleep deprivation for weeks. That’s why we’re training hard and building our mental resilience.”
Researchers heard about the Paillin-Deans through a rowing team in Switzerland. Other couples in the study are involved in mountaineering, Antarctica expeditions, and analog astronaut crews preparing for space missions by experiencing similar conditions on the ground.
Monika Maślikowska, a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Zurich and the project lead, said: “We aim to explore how romantic relationships influence team dynamics in isolated and extreme conditions. Do they enhance collaboration or create challenges? What approaches can maximise their benefits while addressing potential difficulties in balancing relationships and teamwork in such settings?
“There aren’t so many couples who are compatible for this study, so we’re very grateful to Ian and Jooles for agreeing to help us. The data they give us will be invaluable.”
The research project has already run for a year and is due to be completed in 2026. Its findings will be published and shared at international conferences on organisational behaviour and psychology.
Jooles and Ian start their training at 6am every day. They’re still seeking sponsors to raise the £120,000 they need to take part in the race from the Canary Islands to Antigua in the Caribbean.
Jooles said: “Things are really progressing. We’ve already done half the compulsory training on our sea-going boat Polly and have paid the race fees. Our next target is to pay for all our food. It’s really exciting that sponsors are signing up, and we’d love to hear from others who’d like to join them.”
When they do the race, the pair plan to raise money for the Leicestershire hospice LOROS. You can sponsor the pair and follow their progress at www.strongertwogether.co.uk.
