Devon crews battle waves, whales and sharks

Into the first week of 2025 and the incredible rowers in the World’s Toughest Row are battling the elements and pushing their limits on the Atlantic Ocean.

Rowing an ocean is never easy, and each year brings its own unique challenges. After a rough but fast start, the fleet now finds itself in two distinct scenarios. Larger crews who followed race advice and managed to head south are benefitting from slightly better conditions.

Meanwhile, those in the north have faced headwinds that pushed them further off course, leaving some still held back at the rear of the fleet.

The good news is that changing conditions are on the horizon. More favourable winds and waves to help push the fleet toward Antigua. Whilst the swell from the north remains, the overall conditions will aid progress, turning frustration and sweltering heat into renewed momentum.

As always, this race comes with its share of wear and tear. We’re seeing sore backsides, bruised hands, and aching bodies, but nothing unexpected. On the technical side, the fleet has encountered 16 broken oars, damaged rigger plates, and some electrical issues.

The wildlife sightings have been nothing short of remarkable with a marlin strike, three marlin bumps, whale sightings, dolphins, sharks, a turtle rescue, countless flying fish, and mesmerizing bioluminescence lighting up the nights.

Morale is improving as the conditions shift. In the coming days, we’ll see faster speeds, higher mileage, and those long-awaited ETAs coming into view.

Many of the crews have taken advantage of the warmer climate and the occasional calm water to clean the underside of their boat to remove crustaceans and slime, which tend to slow progress through the water.

Thirty-eight ocean rowing boats with 110 ocean rowers representing 21 nations left San Sebastian de La Gomera on December 11. 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. One solo rower, Vic Handley of the UK, returned within two hours of the start with technical problems.

Amongst the local crews are rowers from Exmouth, Team Rollocks who were at Dartmouth Regatta this year; a local businessman from Teignmouth, Tim Cox aboard Oar Mighty Mate; and Atlantic Exploarers in an ocean rowing boat named Rockfisher 2 with connections to Brixham.

In an incredibly hard and brave decision, German Martin Stengele of Team All 4 One has retired from the World’s Toughest Row – Atlantic 2024. Martin and his boat are now under tow by one of the support vessels, heading toward Cape Verde.

Atlantic Exploarers, a four, are currently 6th; Team Rollocks, a five, are 22nd; and Oar Mighty Mates, a pair, 26th.

The leading crews have less than 1,000 miles to go, including Atlantic Exploarers. Team Rollocks and Oar Mighty Mates are past the halfway mark.