The Talisker Atlantic Challenge, as it is known today, officially began in 2011 when Talisker Whisky became the title sponsor of what was initially the Woodvale Atlantic Rowing Race, founded in 1997. The race is a challenging 3,000-mile ocean row from San Sebastián in La Gomera, Canary Islands, to Antigua, and it has earned the reputation as one of the world’s most grueling endurance events.
Since 2013, the race has been organized annually by Atlantic Campaigns, enhancing its safety standards and growing its popularity globally. The event attracts solo rowers and teams from all over the world, often raising money for charitable causes while pushing the limits of physical and mental endurance.
Teams row across the Atlantic as soloists, pairs, trios, or quads. Their boats are about 7 meters long and less than 2 meters wide, with a compact cabin to shield them from storms and the elements. During the crossing, which can last from 35 to 96 days, they must be fully self-sufficient, without external aid for repairs, food or water. Should they receive any aid they are disqualified.
0n 12th December 2024, 39 teams will under take the 'World's toughest row,' where each team member will pushed to the limit both mentally and physically.
TEAM EBB & FLOW
JULIE:
For the past 10 years Julie has stood on the bow of a yacht during Antigua Regatta season watching the Atlantic boats cross the finish line in English Harbour. It became her quiet dream to row an Ocean and each year she took a step closer. Julie is a competitive rower for Christchurch Rowing Club and also has a keen interest in sail racing and cruising, so is no stranger to the coastline and more recently sailing across the Bay of Biscay double handed.
ED:
As a winter-sports enthusiast and ex-Army reservist Ed enjoys the thrill of physical exertion. He has a passion for mountaineering, having summited some of Europe’s most challenging peaks. Whilst his sea-faring experience doesn’t match that of the rest of his crew, he is no stranger to it. He grew up sailing wayfarers in the Camel Estuary in Cornwall, and fishing off the west coast of Scotland. He has since kayaked across the English Channel from the Kent coast to France, and has circumnavigated the Isle of Mull, so the prospect of a wee paddle across a very large pond has only grown.
SALLY:
Sally is a keen rower at her local Rowing Club in Christchurch with Julie. She has competed in various Coastal Four races as Women's Juniors and Masters and won the South Coast Championships at Dorney lake. Before taking up rowing she was a keen sailor and part of a crew based in Southampton, taking on various voyages such as The Fastnet Race, round the Island and the Classics Regatta in St Tropez. Her favorite was crossing the Atlantic which is one of Sally’s memorable achievements. Since then she has wanted to return to the Ocean and rowing across the Atlantic is the next challenge on her bucket list!
WHAT BOATS ARE USED FOR THE CHALLENGE?
In the Talisker Atlantic Challenge, teams rely on specialized ocean rowing boats engineered for endurance and self-sufficiency. These boats, typically around 7 meters long and under 2 meters wide, are both lightweight and durable, designed to navigate rough seas while maintaining stability.
All the boats are equipped with essential safety features to withstand the extreme conditions of the Atlantic Ocean ensuring the teams survival.
Self-Righting Design: The boats are designed to self-right after capsizing, an essential feature in ocean rowing where large waves or sudden shifts can overturn the vessel. The shape and weight distribution allow the boat to return to an upright position, protecting rowers from prolonged exposure to harsh conditions. This saved the lives of James Cracknell and Ben Fogle on their voyage in 2005 / 2006 when their boat was smashed by a rogue wave.
Waterproof Cabin and Hatch: Each boat has a small, enclosed cabin that offers shelter from storms and provides a safe place to rest. The hatches are tightly sealed to prevent water ingress, helping the boat remain buoyant even in rough seas.
Navigation and Communication Systems: Equipped with GPS tracking devices, satellite phones, and VHF radios, these boats enable rowers to communicate with support teams and safety officers, allowing quick response in emergencies. GPS tracking also enables race organizers and families to monitor the teams’ locations in real time.
Emergency Equipment: Each boat carries a variety of emergency supplies, including life rafts, flares, personal locator beacons (PLBs), and an EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon). These tools are essential for signalling distress and guiding rescue operations if needed.
Water Desalination Systems: The boats are outfitted with desalination devices, providing a continuous supply of drinkable water from seawater. This feature is crucial for maintaining hydration on the long, unsupported journey.
TEAM INTERVIEW
Images from 'Team Ebb & Flow' & Stock Images
FINAL WORDS
WHAT TYPE OF PERSON DOES IT TAKE TO DO THIS?
Rowing across the Atlantic requires a blend of physical stamina, mental resilience, and adaptability. This team have shown these traits through challenges completed to date, which also reflect that love / respect of the sea.
To do the Talisker Challenge, they need to be in top physical condition to withstand constant rowing (up to 12 hours a day) over weeks or even months. It also requires extreme self-discipline and determination. The monotonous routine and physical exhaustion can wear down even the most experienced rowers and when things go wrong, they can quickly slip out of control. Therefore, they will have to be able to handle high stress situations calmly relying on teamwork and the pool of knowledge shared between them.
It is not an environment for egos as they will need to nurture and help each other over come the challenges that lie ahead of them. I have no doubt that the Atlantic will expose them to harsh sun, cold nights, saltwater sores, and relentless waves.
WHEN DOES IT START & CAN WE FOLLOW THEM?
The race starts 12th December, ending at Nelsons Dock Yard in Antigua.
Follow them 'live' via the above tracker.
OUR FINAL THOUGHTS
I feel that all three are driven by their own personal goals, a love of adventure, to do something incredible and to connect with the natural world. This passion will help them appreciate the journey, even when it's gruelling. They will forge a lasting kinship as they will learn to depend on each other through a common struggle, pushing through their pains. The complexity of everyday life will be torn down to the simplicities of life, eat, sleep, row with tears and laughter.
The Atlantic will both give and take, showing its fury and beauty. I can not imagine what it looks like under a blanket of stars, just looking up at the cosmos as their oars slowly continue to stroke them closer and closer to their end goal.
Chapeau.
FOOTAGE & STORIES FROM THE PREVIOUS YEARS & TEAMS