WORLD’s TOUGHEST ROW
The CHAllenge: Rowing the Atlantic
The World’s Toughest Row is the premier event in ocean rowing – A challenge that will take Will and Adam more than 3,000 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 40 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.
This extreme endurance race presents a formidable challenge to Will and Adam, as they row unaided across the Atlantic, pushing themselves to their physical and mental limits. Competitors, who can be solo adventurers or part of teams up to five members, confront the immense power of Mother Nature, often struggling against the ocean's forces.
The event is not just a test of strength but a profound experience of human resilience, mental fortitude and the ultimate test of friendship.
WHAT IT’S LIKE TO ROW THE ATLANTIC?
The rowers can face 40-foot waves,
35-knot winds and up to 40-degree heat
Nothing can fully prepare you for rowing the Atlantic!
Rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic in 2024
24 hours a day for up to 60 days
Will Lomas and Adam Hardman have decided to take on the World’s Toughest Row (more people have climbed Everest than rowed the Atlantic) in order to raise funds for Unltd.
Rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic could take up to 60 days. if conditions and mother nature are kind. but many attempts have taken far longer!
Whilst most Atlantic crossings are made up of teams of four and take about 30-40 days. Will and Adam will be rowing as a pair. which is far more challenging!
The team will depart from La Gomera in their ocean rowing boat ‘Lucy’ on 12th December 2024. They hope to arrive in Antigua in February 2025.
The challenge involves rowing for 2 hours and sleeping for 2 hours. constantly. 24 hours a day for approximately 60 days. Each crew member will need to consume 6,000 calories a day and drink 10 litres of water and will still expect to lose on average 12 kg.
Challenge Facts
Each team will row in excess of 1.5 million oar strokes over a race.
Rowers will row for 2 hours, and sleep for 2 hours, constantly, 24 hours a day.
More people have climbed Everest than rowed an ocean.
Over €6 million has been raised for charities worldwide over the past 4 races.
At its deepest, the Atlantic Ocean is 8.5 km/5.28 miles deep.
The waves the rowers will experience can measure up to 20 ft high.
There are two safety yachts supporting the teams as they cross the ocean. In the 2013 race, one yacht traveled a massive 9000 nm!
The 2013 winning Team Locura arrived in Antigua with a blue marlin beak pierced through the hull of the boat.
Each rower is expected to use 800 sheets of toilet paper during their crossing.
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 1200 miles/40 days.
Each rower needs to aim to consume 10 litres of water per day.
Rowers burn in excess of 6,000 calories per day.
There is no toilet on board – rowers use a bucket!
Each rower loses on average 12 kg crossing the Atlantic!