The Voyage

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. The atmosphere is electric as people help each other prepare for the challenge of the mighty Atlantic Ocean. All with the same objective – to take on the unique experience of crossing an ocean in a rowing boat.

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

• Team Fortitude IV achieved the fastest 24 hours ever with 107.45 nautical miles covered.

• The fastest row across the Atlantic was a four man team The Four Oarsmen who finished in 29 days, 14 hours and 34 minutes

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

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

• Each rower is expected to use 800 sheets of toilet paper during their crossing.

• 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.

• The fastest solo across the Atlantic was Mark Slats who completed in 30 days, 7 hours and 49 minutes.

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

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

• The average rower loses around 8kg during a crossing.

• In the 2018 race, solo rower Kelda Wood (Row 2 Raise) was kept company by a whale for nearly 7 days