Former HMS Torbay duo all at sea for Christmas in world's toughest rowing challenge

As families around the world gather to celebrate the festive season, a group of 98 courageous individuals participating in the World’s Toughest Row – Atlantic 2023, find themselves far from home, navigating the vast Atlantic Ocean on an incredible journey of endurance and determination.

In a true display of resilience and camaraderie, the rowers have chosen to celebrate Christmas at sea, united by their shared passion for adventure, the pursuit of the extraordinary and for most with the aim to raise as much awareness and money for their chosen charities as possible.

The World’s Toughest Row – Atlantic sees teams rowing unsupported across the Atlantic, covering over 3,000 miles from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to English Harbour in Antigua.

Thirty-eight ocean rowing boats with 98 ocean rowers representing 10 nations left San Sebastian de La Gomera on December 13.

The 2023 race is a 3,000 mile unsupported rowing race across the Atlantic Ocean west from San Sebastian in La Gomera in the Canary Islands (280N 180W) to Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbour, Antigua & Barbuda (170N 610W).  
The 38 competing crews are made up of 11 solos, eight pairs, six trios, 12 fours and one five. The five boat crew of HMS Oardacious with the crew Rob Clarke, Daniel Seager, Mike Forrester, Ian Allen and Mathew Main are all Royal Navy submariners and they were the first crew away with other crews following at two minute intervals. 

Crew members Rob Clarke and Mike Forrester have a link to Torbay through their Royal Navy service. Rob was an Assistant Marine Engineer Officer and Mike, currently a Commander, both served on the now decommissioned submarine HMS Torbay. 
The crews were seen off by family and friends amid a cacophony of noise from hooters, klaxons, ship’s horns, cheers from the crowd and fireworks. Ships in harbour to witness the event included ferries, yachts, fishing boats and a salvage vessel. 
Amidst waves as high as 30metres, the constant fear of a knock down or capsize and the vast expanse of the ocean before them, the rowers are not letting the distance from their families and loved ones dampen their holiday spirits. Instead, they are embracing the challenges and triumphs of the journey, drawing inspiration from the shared goal of reaching the finish line.

The World’s Toughest Row attracts adventurers from around the globe, with this race being no exception with 16 countries represented. Although all 98 competitors are uniquely incredible, for some with success will also come a World Record. Notably 73-year-old Frank Rothwell (UK) who is rowing solo raising awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK after losing his beloved brother in-law to the disease, and Leanne Maiden who is also rowing solo, aiming to become to first South African female solo ever. 

Christmas at sea brings a unique perspective to the challenge, as the rowers reflect on the meaning of the season and the sense of accomplishment that comes with pushing one's limits.