The World’s Toughest Row
The Challenge: Rowing the Atlantic
The World’s Toughest Row is the premier event in ocean rowing – A challenge that will take Charlie and Paddy more than 3,000 Miles west from San Sebastian in La Gomera, Canary Islands, Spain (28oN 18oW) to Nelson’s Dockyard, English Harbour, Antigua & Barbuda (17oN 61oW). The annual race begins in early December, with up to 40 teams participating from around the world.
The race structure brings together an environment where teams from across the globe gather in the race village San Sebastian in La Gomera, Canary Islands. The atmosphere is electric as people help each other prepare for the challenge of the mighty Atlantic Ocean. All with the same objective – to take on the unique experience of crossing an ocean in a rowing boat.
This extreme endurance race presents a formidable challenge to Carlie and Paddy, as they row unaided across the Atlantic, pushing themselves to their physical and mental limits. Competitors, who can be solo adventurers or part of teams up to five members, confront the immense power of Mother Nature, often struggling against the ocean's forces.
The event is not just a test of strength but a profound experience of human resilience, mental fortitude and the ultimate test of friendship.
What’s it like to row the Atlantic?
Challenge facts
Each team will row in excess of 1.5 million oar strokes over a race.
Rowers will row for 2 hours, and sleep for 2 hours, constantly, 24 hours a day.
More people have climbed Everest than rowed an ocean.
Over €6 million has been raised for charities worldwide over the past 4 races.
At its deepest, the Atlantic Ocean is 8.5 km/5.28 miles deep.
The waves the rowers will experience can measure up to 20 ft high.
There are two safety yachts supporting the teams as they cross the ocean. In the 2013 race, one yacht traveled a massive 9000 nm!
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.
The teams are supported 24/7 by two land-based duty officers.
In the 2016 race, solo rower Daryl Farmer arrived in Antigua after 96 days, rowing without a rudder to steer with for nearly 1200 miles/40 days.
Each rower needs to aim to consume 10 litres of water per day.
Rowers burn in excess of 6,000 calories per day.
There is no toilet on board – rowers use a bucket!
Each rower loses on average 12 kg crossing the Atlantic!
Meet our crew
For the 2026 event we have recruited our wonderful crew, Charlie Pendarves and Patrick (Paddy) Thomas. They are registered for the event and you can read about them and their story on the official Worlds Toughest Row website.
