The Row

The Race

The Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge brings together teams from all walks of life united by the same objective: to take on the unique challenge of crossing an ocean in a rowing boat. 

Teams battle with sleep deprivation, salt sores, and physical extremes inflicted by the race. Rowers are left with their own thoughts, an expanse of the ocean and the job of getting the boat safely to the other side.

The race offers different experiences to all involved. The challenge creates strong friendships and competitiveness gives way to the camaraderie that is required to complete the challenge. Upon finishing, rowers join a small community of friends that have shared the adventures of an ocean crossing. The mental and physical endurance will result in a life-changing achievement, that will never be forgotten.

43 boats

3000 miles

3 x 2 hour sleeps/day

Burn 7000 Calories/Day

25 ft waves

1.5 million oar strokes over a race

€10+ million has been raised

10 litres/water/day

Interesting race facts!

  • At its deepest, the Atlantic Ocean is 8.5km/5.28 miles deep.
  • 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.
  • In the 2016 race, solo rower Daryl Farmer arrived in Antigua after 96 days, rowing without a rudder to steer with for nearly 1200miles/40 days.
  • There is no toilet on board – rowers use a bucket!Each rower loses on average 12kg crossing the Atlantic!
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