Atlantic Ocean Rowing Readiness Campaign

Highlights

• Row 3,000+ miles across the Atlantic Ocean from La Gomera, Canary Islands, to Antigua — unsupported and unassisted.
• Crews row in shifts of 2 hours on, 2 hours off, 24 hours a day for 30–90 days depending on conditions and crew strength.
• Rowers burn up to 7,000 calories per day and commonly lose 10–12 kg of body weight during the crossing.
• The race is unsupported — all food, water (via desalinator), and equipment must be carried on the boat from day one.
• Weather routing, sleep management, and crew morale matter more than raw rowing power once the trade winds set in.

Planning Steps

1. Form or join a crew and apply through the World's Toughest Row website. The 2026 Atlantic race departs December 12 from La Gomera.
2. Complete all mandatory RYA courses: marine radio (SRC), first aid at sea, sea survival, and essential navigation/seamanship.
3. Secure or build an ocean rowing boat that meets Atlantic Campaigns specifications. Budget £50,000–£100,000+ for boat acquisition and outfitting.
4. Train for 12–18 months with a focus on rowing endurance, open-water experience, mental resilience, and crew compatibility under confined conditions.
5. Ship your boat to La Gomera weeks before departure for final outfitting, safety inspections, and crew familiarization in the race village.