The Ultimate Ocean Adventure: Evolution Capital sponsor Billy Taylor’s High-Stakes Challenge to Cross the Indian Ocean for Mental Health

The Ultimate Ocean Adventure: Evolution Capital sponsor Billy Taylor’s High-Stakes Challenge to Cross the Indian Ocean for Charity

In the world of ocean rowing, few names resonate as strongly as Billy Taylor, a trailblazer in the high-stakes arena of crossing oceans by oar. Now, he is set to embark on what could be his most ambitious challenge yet—a daring crossing of the Indian Ocean from continent to continent, all in the name of charity.

Supported by lead sponsor Evolution Capital, this monumental journey aims to raise an impressive £500,000 for two causes close to their hearts: Race Against Dementia (RAD) and Rock 2 Recovery (R2R). For Taylor, it is a continuation of a life spent at sea—one defined by resilience, meticulous preparation, and an insatiable drive to push the limits of human endurance.

“This challenge is not just about the rowing,” Taylor says, as he describes the months of planning that lie ahead. “It’s about supporting the incredible work that RAD and R2R do, and showing what’s possible when determination meets purpose.”

Founded by Sir Jackie Stewart , Race Against Dementia (RAD) is driven by the urgency and precision that characterises a "Formula 1 attitude," channelling that focus into developing ground-breaking solutions for dementia. Through alliances with global research centres of excellence, RAD shares innovative technologies and fosters new collaborations across disciplines and institutions, with the aim of accelerating discoveries. With nearly one million people in the UK currently living with dementia—a number expected to rise to 1.4 million by 2040—RAD’s mission is to create lasting change that will transform the lives of countless families impacted by this condition.

Rock2Recovery provides a unique approach to mental health support. As a free, confidential, and non-clinical service, it pairs one-on-one coaching with a focus on inspiring individuals toward a meaningful "rock" or activity to guide them along their recovery journey. From England to the Isle of Man, Rock2Recovery’s work embodies compassion and empowerment, offering individuals in need and their families a way to redefine their future positively.

For Billy, who served as a firefighter before taking on some of the world’s most dangerous ocean challenges, this journey is deeply personal. It’s about giving back and championing the tireless work of RAD and Rock2Recovery. Through this challenge, Billy and his crew, sponsored by the Evolution Capital team, hope to inspire others to support these vital causes, advancing critical research and offering hope to those in need.

In addition to raising funds for RAD and R2R, the crew are determined to use the challenge as a platform for more. Partnering with Michigan University they are part of a research project into the effects of micro plastics in the Indian ocean and they will be inspiring the next generation of adventurers by communicating with children in class rooms throughout the UK using the Learn Live UK platform which has over 3,000 schools on its books.

Taylor’s résumé is as lengthy as it is impressive. Founder of Monkey Fist Adventures, he has not only led three successful transatlantic crossings, but has also consulted on dozens more. His exploits include a 2014 crossing from California to Hawaii and a 2018 journey from Australia to Mauritius, where he guided a four-man crew across the treacherous Indian Ocean. With more than 35,000 sea miles on ocean rowing boats and yachts under his belt and nearly 1,000 days spent at sea, Taylor’s experience makes him one of the most seasoned ocean rowers in the world.

In 2020, he became the seventh person in history to complete a the coveted ocean rowing rowing ‘triple crown’, successfully conquering the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. His achievements also include leading the first-ever mixed crew to row from Cape Verde to Antigua, and he continues to learn not only from each success, but also every obstacle the he and the crews  he has led have had to overcome during his 5 previous crossings.

Now, Taylor is preparing for the Brainwaves Challenge, a voyage of over 5,500 miles and 100 days that, if successful, will mark the first ever continent-to-continent crossing of the Indian Ocean by an ocean rowing crew. “The Indian Ocean is wild, unpredictable, and unforgiving,” he notes with a mixture of reverence and resolve. “It demands the utmost in terms of preparation and mental toughness.”

Evolution Capital, known for its expertise in guiding M&A transactions, sees the values that underpin Taylor’s challenge—resilience, precision, and unwavering focus—as perfectly aligned with their own. “We’re thrilled to support Billy in this journey,” commented EC’s CEO Nigel Cook. “Our goal is to not only help raise critical funds for RAD and R2R, but to also highlight the power of determination and vision in achieving the extraordinary.”

For those keen to follow this bold adventure, or who wish to lend their support, now is the time to get involved. Evolution Capital and Monkey Fist Adventures are calling on supporters to contribute to this once-in-a-lifetime expedition, helping them reach their £500,000 goal. Every donation is a step closer to making waves for two vital causes, and to propelling Taylor and his crew across one of the most challenging stretches of ocean in the world.

To learn more about the challenge or to donate, reach out to us and be part of a journey that promises to be as inspiring as it is unprecedented.

‍