Rowers confront Atlantic challenge

They’re off.
Thirty-eight ocean rowing boats with 98 ocean rowers representing 10 nations left San Sebastian de La Gomera on December 13 in the World’s Toughest Row organised by Atlantic Campaigns.
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.