The Challenge

3000 nautical miles.

The premier event in ocean rowing.

A challenge that will take me more than 3000 Miles west from San Sebastian in La Gomera, Canary Islands, Spain (28oN 18oW) to Nelson’s Dockyard, English Harbour, Antigua & Barbuda (17oN 61oW).

The annual race begins in early December, with up to 30 teams participating from around the world. The race structure brings together an environment where teams from across the globe gather in the race village San Sebastian in La Gomera, Canary Islands.

All with the same objective – to take on the unique experience of crossing an ocean in a rowing boat.

- The new Race Record for Female Solo rowers:

59 days, 16 hours and 36 minutes

- The World Record:

40 days, 21 hours and 1 minute

World's Toughest Row - Atlantic brings together teams from all walks of life united by the same objective: to take on the unique challenge of crossing an ocean in a rowing boat.

The atmosphere is electric as people help each other prepare for the challenge of the mighty Atlantic Ocean.

Teams battle with sleep deprivation, salt sores, and physical extremes inflicted by the race.

Rowers are left with their own thoughts, an expanse of the ocean and the job of getting the boat safely to the other side.

The race offers different experiences to all involved (see the Gallery on this website for videos and photos).

The challenge creates strong friendships and competitiveness gives way to the camaraderie that is required to complete the challenge.

Upon finishing, rowers join a small community of friends that have shared the adventures of an ocean crossing.

The mental and physical endurance will result in a life-changing achievement, that will never be forgotten.

Race Facts

Each team will row in excess of 1.5 million oar strokes over a race.
Team rowers will row for 2 hours, and sleep for 2 hours, constantly, 24 hours a day, solo rowers will row a different rhythm.
Over €6million has been raised for charities worldwide over the past 4 races.
At its deepest, the Atlantic Ocean is 8.5km/5.28 miles deep.
The waves the rowers will experience can measure up to 20ft high.
There are two safety yachts supporting the teams as they cross the ocean. In the 2013 race, one yacht traveled a massive 9000nm!
The 2013 winning Team Locura arrived in Antigua with a blue marlin beak pierced through the hull of the boat.
The teams are supported 24/7 by two land-based duty officers.
In the 2016 race, solo rower Daryl Farmer arrived in Antigua after 96 days, rowing without a rudder to steer with for nearly 1200miles/40 days.
Each rower needs to aim to consume 10 litres of water per day.
Rowers burn in excess of 5,000 calories per day.
There is no toilet on board – rowers use a bucket!
Each rower loses on average 12kg crossing the Atlantic!

3000 nautical miles - SOLO

The Atlantic Ocean

The Challenge

Race Facts

Each team will row in excess of 1.5 million oar strokes over a race.

Team rowers will row for 2 hours, and sleep for 2 hours, constantly, 24 hours a day, solo rowers will row a different rhythm.

Over €6million has been raised for charities worldwide over the past 4 races.

At its deepest, the Atlantic Ocean is 8.5km/5.28 miles deep.

The waves the rowers will experience can measure up to 20ft high.

There are two safety yachts supporting the teams as they cross the ocean. In the 2013 race, one yacht traveled a massive 9000nm!

The 2013 winning Team Locura arrived in Antigua with a blue marlin beak pierced through the hull of the boat.

The teams are supported 24/7 by two land-based duty officers.

In the 2016 race, solo rower Daryl Farmer arrived in Antigua after 96 days, rowing without a rudder to steer with for nearly 1200miles/40 days.

Each rower needs to aim to consume 10 litres of water per day.

Rowers burn in excess of 5,000 calories per day.

There is no toilet on board – rowers use a bucket!

Each rower loses on average 12kg crossing the Atlantic!