Fiona

Name: Fiona Waller
Age: 34
Occupation: Photographer

Where are you from? London now, but originally an Essex girl via Bath, Brussels, Dublin and Nottingham.

What do you like doing when you’re not rowing an ocean? At the moment it feels like planning on rowing an ocean, as that’s been what it has mostly been for the last year and a half! Otherwise taking photos; traveling to new places; playing hockey; getting out on my bike; getting out of the big smoke; quality time with quality people and a glass of wine or 2; pretty much anything outdoors.

Why do you want to row across the Indian Ocean? Having rowed across the Atlantic in the 2007 race, I really want to put into practice everything we learned along the way and do this one really well. Although it was really tough, the middle of the ocean was an amazing place to be and I miss it! I have to say I am sometimes filled with dread as I know what I am letting myself in for this time, but the challenge and the good stuff more than outweigh the lows. The opportunity to take part in the first Indian Ocean race, and be the first women ever to do this is also one I couldn’t miss. Plus by no means least, the opportunity to raise a lot of money for a charity that is close to my heart is fantastic. This one’s for my Mum!

Most looking forward to? The skies - dawn, dusk and starry nights; the wildlife; being away from it all at the mercy of mother nature; getting to Mauritius (!); the team bond

Least looking forward to? Sleep deprivation; claw hands; adding to the Atlantic scars on my bum – and the pain of the sores; waking up for night shifts; lack of variety in food

What will you miss most while you're on the boat? Friends & family; my bed and sofa; being clean; being dry; a chilled drink; walking

What food will you crave? Fresh fruit & veg, marmite, jacket potatoes, cheese, Sunday roasts, steak & chips, anything that's not in a bag!

Luxury item on the boat: Air guitar. But given that won't take up too much space I might take a star chart as well.

First drink in Mauritius? Banana smoothie – interspersed with swigs of champagne of course!

Favourite quote? Other than Sarah’s mid-Atlantic “My God, there’s a lot of water out here isn’t there?” one would have to be “Ships in the harbour are safe, but that is not what ships are built for”.

Claim to fame? Other than beating Orlando Bloom at House of the Dead (still proud of that one) it would have to be being one of Cosmo’s ultimate women of the year 2008!

Best achievement to date? Rowing the Atlantic obviously!

Secret skill? Fancy dress – especially acquiring other people’s. Although I'm not sure that's particularly secret....

How would others describe you in 3 words?
passionate, wise, loyal
loyal, fun, aware; or f*ing great mate!
outgoing, fun, intelligent
energetic, committed, stubborn
thoughtful, determined, kind
spontaneous, thoughtful, practical
and then there's my Dad who very generously gave me a list of about 20, my favourite of which was "lovable daughter", Ahhhhhh!