Inaugural Hands Across The Sea Event Lifts The Spirits
Maximum effort — Wes takes the strain in the squat lift section of the HATS contest. Image: Alligin Photography / © Jarrad Hulm
The first ever Hands Across The Sea powerlifting contest pitting British and American athletes from the armed forces against each other has been declared a resounding success.
Saturday’s event at HMNB Devonport in Plymouth, Devon, saw some remarkable performances from all the 30 athletes involved.
And while America might have come out on top overall in the team event, in reality everyone who took part was a winner at an event that showcased collective determination, skill, and camaraderie.
A busy day of competition was followed by a black-tie gala dinner in the ballroom of the HMS Drake Warrant Officers & Senior Rates Mess.
Royal Navy submariner and Navy Leaders Champion Wesley McGuinness was U.K. team manager and captain, and one of the event organisers.
He said: “I’m absolutely delighted with how the inaugural Hands Across the Sea Powerlifting Event was delivered this weekend at HM Naval Base Devonport.
“A tremendous amount of logistics and unseen work went into achieving the standard and the vision we set for ourselves, and seeing it all come together so successfully was genuinely humbling.”
“The feedback and reactions from lifters, officials, participants, spectators, and senior naval officers has made it clear that every effort was worth it.
“I’m thrilled that everyone enjoyed this first Hands Across the Sea event. My sincere thanks go to everyone involved — without you all, it simply wouldn’t have happened.”
The already-planned return event in 2026 in Reno, Nevada, will provisionally also be extended to include police, fire, and first responder personnel.