WORLD’S TOUGHEST ROW – ATLANTIC
The Race
The 2023-24 edition of the race began December 13th, with 38 boats participating from around the world. The rowers saw difficult conditions on day one with cross winds and swell making it hard to achieve the waypoint. The first few days were windy and fast giving the rowers a rude introduction to Atlantic life. Only to run into slower weather over the holiday period, giving all the boats some time on their para-anchors as they had upwind conditions. There was a split in the fleet early on between those who pushed further South and those who stayed closer to the rhumb line as strong Easterlies arrived. The Northerly route paid dividends as a week later the North-Easterlies came in strong with a fast run to the finish in Antigua.
The Route
The premier event in ocean rowing – A challenge that will take you more than 3000 Miles (4800 km) west from San Sebastian in La Gomera, Canary Islands, Spain (28oN 18oW) to Nelson’s Dockyard, English Harbour, Antigua & Barbuda (17oN 61oW).
Liz’s Stats
• Liz set a new race record of 44 days, 4 hours & 47 minutes.
• Liz achieved a mind-blowing 100 nautical miles covered in 24 hours.
• At its deepest, the Atlantic Ocean is 8.5km / 5.28 miles deep.
• The largest waves Liz experienced were up to 5 metres high.
• Liz spent less than one full day on para-anchor.
• The fastest solo female race record before Liz was Miriam Payne with 59 days, 16 hours & 36 minutes.
• Liz packed food planning to burn in excess of 3,500 calories per day.
• Liz lost around 5kg during the crossing.
• Liz was stalked by two different marlin (they were interested in the fish swimming with her boat).
• Liz did one 30 hour stint of no sleeping.
• Liz’s fastest sighted speed was just under 15 knots.
• Liz placed 3rd overall solo rower, 4th place female boat and 18th overall.
• Tic Tac had one capsize and a handful of knock downs.
