Record-breaking rower completes Pegasus Round and sets his sights on Southampton

Former Paratrooper, Mike Ellicock, has become the first person to row around Great Britain via the Great Glen of Scotland.

Mike completed his epic 1,820-mile rowing challenge for the charity Support Our Paras on 19 June 2025, finishing it in just 49 days.

Mike’s rowing boat, Pegasus, will be on display at the Southampton International Boat Show for all 10 days of the 2025 event. The man himself will take to our new Boating Academy Stage on Saturday, 27 September, to recount tales from his heroic adventure and to discuss both the boat, built by Chris Tipper and his charitable endeavours. Chris will also attend the show to answer visitors’ questions about the boat*.

As a 25-year-old Parachute Regiment platoon commander, Mike was wounded in action during a hostage rescue in Sierra Leone. He made a full recovery and went on to command paratroopers before making a successful and rewarding transition into civilian life. 

Not all my former brothers in arms were so fortunate, which is why I’m raising money for Support Our Paras,” says Mike. “The Parachute Regiment motto is ‘Ready for Anything’ and this Pegasus Round row took inspiration from former Paratroopers John Ridgway and Chay Blyth, who set the record for crossing the Atlantic in a rowing boat in 1966. The support and generosity of everyone who has donated really helped to get me round. I look forward to reliving this momentous experience at the Southampton International Boat Show in September.”

Upon completing his rowing challenge, Mike raised over £15,000 for Britain’s Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces. If you wish to donate to Support Our Paras, please visit Mike’s JustGiving page here.

To hear Mike speak at the Southampton International Boat Show and to see his record-breaking boat, Pegasus, buy your event tickets here.

*Timings TBC