The Challenge

We’re taking part in one of the world's toughest races when we compete in the Woodvale Atlantic Rowing Race 2009. We start in the Canary Islands and row 3,000 miles to the finish line in the Caribbean. We’ll be competing against more than 30 other teams from around the world and we'll face waves of up to 30 feet, and experience severe weather ranging from extreme heat to huge thunder storms. We won't get any support during the race so we'll take all our own food and equipment needed for the crossing.

To date, only 200 people have successfully rowed the Atlantic, whereas more than ten times this number have climbed Mount Everest. As the challenge is immense, both physically and psychologically, the crossing is only completed by a relatively small, but well prepared number of teams.

The boat

The boat will be our home for the 3,000 mile journey across the Atlantic. Providing us with shelter when the conditions are too stormy for us to row; and the storage space for the water maker and our food rations so we don't go hungry or thirsty. Click here to learn more about the design of the boat and how she was built.

The route

The race route, across one of the world’s largest oceans, is nearly 3,000 miles. For many people the Atlantic conjours up images of hurricanes, rough seas and cold weather. We hope to experience something very different.

Training

Training includes a mixture of weights, regular use of a Concept II rowing machine and building up the strength of our core muscles. We will also be training on our boat in Cardiff Bay and the waters along the Welsh and English coast. Click here to find out more.

Food & nutrition

We'll need to eat more than 8,000 calories and drink more than 10 litres of water a day to keep our bodies energised whilst we row. Click here to learn more about what food we'll be taking and watch the video of our attempt to eat 8,000 calories in one go!