The World’s Toughest Row has begun

They’re off.

Thirty-eight ocean rowing boats with 110 ocean rowers representing 21 nations left San Sebastian de La Gomera on December 11 in the World’s Toughest Row organised by Atlantic Campaigns.

The 2024 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 6 solos, 11 pairs, 4 trios, 15 fours and 2 fives.

Amongst the crews are rowers from Exmouth who were at Dartmouth Regatta this year, Budleigh Salterton, Plymouth, Cornwall, a local businessman from Teignmouth and an ocean rowing boat named Rockfisher 2 with connections to Brixham.

It’s worth noting that more people have climbed Everest (nearly 7,000) than have rowed the Atlantic (about 1,700).

With all crews fully prepared the race started a day early to take advantage of the strong tail winds off the start line and certainly in first four days the crews made full use of the conditions. However, one of the solo boats returned within the first two hours with technical issues.

Tim Cox from Teignmouth, a water sports instructor who has spent over ten years helping competitors prepare for the World’s Toughest Row Atlantic Challenge, will finally practice what he preaches as he participates in the gruelling event.

Tim, who runs SeaSports South West in Teignmouth, is competing with friend Andy Purvis. The pair hope to cover the 3000 miles to Nelson’s Dockyard in Antigua and Barbuda in around 40-50 days. Their team name is Mighty Mates 2C, raising sponsorship funds for Dementia UK and Abigail’s Footsteps.

Also competing is Rex Fisher who has a share in the Brixham trawler Rockfisher with Mitch Tonks. Rex is rowing as part of a four in the crew Atlantic Exploarers raising sponsorship funds for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity. At the end of summer 2019, Mitch and Rockfish took the very exciting step into a partnership to supply direct to his restaurants from the fishing boat Rockfisher.

The Exmouth crew, Team Rollocks, with five crew are raising sponsorship funds for Dream- A-Way, Rock2Recovery, BEAT and Cockleshell22. ·

The first week is often the toughest. Days 3-5 tend to be the low point, marked by seasickness, fatigue, anxiety about the journey ahead, and aches and pains. By days 5-7, crews typically begin to feel more at home, though every day presents its challenges.

Before the race start, the fleet was advised to push south as hard as possible for at least three days before beginning to turn west toward Antigua. While it may be tempting to head straight toward the finish from the start, this event requires forethought and planning. Early gains and high positions on the leaderboard often mean little at this stage.

Currently, winds from the east and southeast are pushing the northern crews farther north, while the southern crews are benefiting from more tailwinds. However, all teams are facing some degree of choppy, beam seas, making for awkward and frustrating rowing.

Winds are expected to shift more easterly around December 17 and possibly turn northeast by late December 18, helping even the most northerly crews get back on track. The longer-term forecast shows improving conditions with big, fast winds around Christmas Day.

After that, the southern crews should see far better conditions, while the northern crews may continue to face more beam seas, pushing them north.

The fleet has reported sightings of whales, dolphins, and bioluminescence, as well as stunningly beautiful night skies.

Over the next week, crews will begin making gradual progress westward, and the race will start to take shape, giving a clearer view of positions. This is not a sprint or even a marathon—it’s a journey for the long haul.

Each day will bring its own challenges and rewards. This is The World’s Toughest Row, and all the struggles will be worth it when they arrive in Antigua, completing the adventure of a lifetime.