Ross Edgley Makes History Backed by Clipper Race

Ross Edgley has once again defied the limits of human performance, completing a record-breaking swim around the coastline of Iceland, supported by Clipper Race and SKIRR Adventures. 

Starting on Saturday 17th May, Ross covered more than 1,000 miles (1610 km), finishing at Nauthólsvík Beach in Reykjavík on Monday 8th September. 

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In partnership with the Clipper Race, SKIRR Adventures, BMW and Gym King, the 39-year-old swam through some of the most hostile waters on Earth, enduring freezing temperatures, unpredictable currents, and violent storms to become the first person to achieve this feat. 

The challenge marks one of Edgley’s most extreme expeditions to date, having previously become the first person to swim around the mainland of Great Britain in 2018, and completing the world’s longest non-stop river swim in 2024, covering 510 km down Canada’s Yukon River. 

“This has been the toughest and most ambitious challenge I have attempted yet, Iceland provided an incredible opportunity to test my physical and mental limits – the country has provided some insane experiences I will never forget.” said Ross upon completing the swim. 

He was quick to credit the role of SKIRR Adventures, adding:

“This started as a silly idea, but it only became possible because of the experienced Clipper Race staff and crew. Their work ethic was obscene navigating hurricanes, volcanic coastlines, and storms so I could keep swimming. This was never just my swim. It was a collective effort, and I’ll always be grateful for their commitment.” 

On why he first contacted the Clipper Race, Ross said: “When setting out to push frontiers, it’s essential to have the right team around you, so having the support and expertise of the Clipper Race and SKIRR Adventures for the Great Icelandic Swim is game changing. Both the Clipper Race and SKIRR are built on grit, adventure, and pushing human limits, which perfectly mirrors the spirit of this challenge. With their support, we’re rewriting what’s possible in endurance, science and exploration." 

With a 68ft SKIRR Adventures expedition yacht serving as his floating base, Ross was supported by a team of professional sailors led by Clipper 2023–24 Race winning skipper Bob Beggs and First Mate Maisie Bristow and Clipper Race alumni. The crew not only navigated Iceland’s unforgiving coastlines but also endured the same storms and swells as Edgley, while ensuring he was kept fed, hydrated, and treated for injuries. 

Bob highlighted the scale of the challenge for the sailing team as well as the swimmer: “What a journey it’s been. We’ve been occasionally hiding from hurricane-force winds. We’ve been escorted by whales and even took a dip north of the Arctic Circle by Grímsey Island – what a place that was, whales everywhere. It’s been a great adventure, and the crew have done a fantastic job supporting Ross 100% of the way.” 

The SKIRR Adventures team had to adapt traditional sailing skills to keep Ross safe in the water. Holding pace with a swimmer instead of racing for speed, timing swims with tidal flows, and at times pulling him from the sea when conditions turned too dangerous. Along the east coast, strong tidal surges enabled Ross to cover up to 20km in a single four-hour block, while the northern waters tested him with weak, irregular tides and plunging temperatures just short of the Arctic Circle. 

Maisie reflected on her experience:

“Having previously been First Mate on the Clipper Race, I was ready for these conditions. Big seas, big winds, and constant change. But this was different to the race: shorter stints at sea, yet just as intense, and all in support of Ross. I’m incredibly proud of the whole team. To have been part of making history, and to see Ross complete the challenge, was something I’ll never forget.” 

The crew faced everything from hurricanes to jellyfish stings and sudden weather shifts. “Swimming around Iceland is pretty incredible, and I’m so glad we could do it together as a team. Iceland gave us everything – from flat calms to big seas and storms and each time the boat and crew rose to the challenge,” Bristow added. 

The swim will be documented in a forthcoming documentary series with Channel 4, offering an unfiltered look at the psychological and physical demands of this epic adventure, along with stunning footage of Iceland’s dramatic and remote coastal landscapes. 

The annual SKIRR Adventures expedition sailing trip takes place each summer, departing Portsmouth Harbour, heading to the Arctic Circle via the west coast, Scotland, Iceland and Greenland, before returning via the Faroe and Shetland Isles.

To find out more about the next expedition visit the SKIRR Adventures website or give them a follow on Instagram.