Winners crowned in the World’s Toughest Row

The overall winners of the World’s Toughest Row have arrived at Nelson’s Dockyard, English Harbour, Antiqua. The incredible team of four consisting of Leon, Tom, Maarten and Mark representing the Netherlands crossed the finish line in Antigua in 37 days, 13 hours and 20 minutes.

Since leaving La Gomera they have held the lead from the beginning of the race. While their dominance has been clear, nothing is ever certain in the World’s Toughest Row. Mother Nature can always play her part, and teams can face equipment failures or injuries, so nothing is taken for granted.

Mark Slats, who was the skipper onboard the D34 design boat named “Jack”, already holds two World Records in Ocean Rowing, one as a solo in the 2017 race and in the pairs class in the 2020 race.

Although a world record was not to be this time, incredibly this is Mark’s third Atlantic crossing in a rowing boat and his second time as a winner of the race.

A special day for the whole team but extra memorable for Leon as it was his birthday! What a way to celebrate. Team ‘Row4Cancer’ has raised awareness and funds for the Princess Máxima Centrum.

Second crew to finish were ‘Deep Blue Crew’. A four consisting of Paddy, Gus, Matt and Jack, representing the UK, in 39 days, 6 hours and 55 minutes.

With a sporty and athletic background, ‘Deep Blue Crew’ were at the front of the fleet right from the start, chasing hard and battling with ‘Power of 1’ and ‘Team Graft’. Arriving with sore, torn-up hands, they clearly had to fight hard for their position.

They faced frustrating headwinds as well as completely calm days, making every oar stroke count, but with a positive attitude, the four guys arrived with plenty of smiles and laughter!

Nelson’s Dockyard was packed with family and friends creating an electric atmosphere. When asked about what stood out in terms of camaraderie and teamwork, Jack said: “It’s based on a really strong friendship. We helped each other get through both the tough times and the good times, and we’re still best mates now. It’s been an amazing shared experience.”

‘Deep Blue Crew’ has raised awareness and funds for the My Name5 Doddie Trust, Tusk and the Clocktower Foundation.

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

Atlantic Exploarers consisting of Daragh, Rex, Sam and Ed representing the UK, have crossed the finish line in Antigua in 8th position and in 41 days, 10 hours and 5 minutes.

Since 2020, the team has worked hard to take on the ultimate challenge of rowing across an ocean. They’ve balanced a global pandemic, student life, and planning an ambitious campaign.

Motivated by a personal mission, the row is dedicated to their friends Joe and Ross, who tragically died by suicide. Partnering with the mental health charity MIND, the team aims to raise funds and awareness, turning their journey into a powerful message of hope and remembrance.

A highlight of their 42 days at sea was an unforgettable six-hour encounter with a whale that swam under their boat and breached nearby, offering a magical reminder of nature’s wonder.

‘Team Rollocks’, a five, are 21st and ‘Oar Mighty Mates’, a pair, 25th. Both are due to finish by the end of January.