January 26, 2023

Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge - The World's Toughest Row

The Fell Store was privileged to supply some of the food needed by team 'Raring To Row' as they took on this amazing challenge of rowing 3000 miles to cross the Atlantic.

talisker whiskey atlantic challenge food

"The annual race begins in early December, with up to 30 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.

The Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge brings together teams from all walks of life united by the same objective: to take on the unique challenge of crossing an ocean in a rowing boat. The atmosphere is electric as people help each other prepare for the challenge of the mighty Atlantic Ocean. Teams battle with sleep deprivation, salt sores, and physical extremes inflicted by the race. Rowers are left with their own thoughts, an expanse of the ocean and the job of getting the boat safely to the other side.

The race offers different experiences to all involved. The challenge creates strong friendships and competitiveness gives way to the camaraderie that is required to complete the challenge. Upon finishing, rowers join a small community of friends that have shared the adventures of an ocean crossing. The mental and physical endurance will result in a life-changing achievement, that will never be forgotten."

Fun Facts

Each team will row in excess of 1.5 million oar strokes during a race.
Team Fortitude IV achieved the fastest 24 hours ever with 107.45 nautical miles covered.
The fastest row across the Atlantic was a four man team The Four Oarsmen who finished in 29 days, 14 hours and 34 minutes
At its deepest, the Atlantic Ocean is 8.5km / 5.28 miles deep.
The waves that the rowers experience can measure up to 20ft high.
Each rower is expected to use 800 sheets of toilet paper during their crossing.
In the 2016 race, solo rower Daryl Farmer arrived in Antigua after 96 days, rowing without a rudder to steer with for nearly 1200miles/40 days.
The fastest solo across the Atlantic was Mark Slats who completed in 30 days, 7 hours and 49 minutes.
Rowers burn in excess of 5,000 calories per day.
There is no toilet on board – rowers use a bucket!
The average rower loses around 8kg during a crossing.
In the 2018 race, solo rower Kelda Wood (Row 2 Raise) was kept company by a whale for nearly 7 days.

Raring To Row - Meet the Team

Kevin

For Kevin, the idea of the Atlantic row was initially ignited after dinner overlooking Ernest Shackleton’s grave in Grytviken, South Georgia in 2008 onboard HMS Liverpool. This ember of a dream was further fanned after meeting up with the 2012 team Atlantic Dash and seeing their boat and determination to achieve their dream. However, life has a funny way of moving on and leaving dreams behind but a chance encounter with Dean from Elijah’s Star saw an opportunity to row with him in 2021 but family circumstances again meant a delay. But this time the delay isn’t in years but months as his dream will be coming true as part of team Raring to Row rowing in 2022.

Gemma

Thinking it would be her ‘once in a lifetime adventure’ she raced across the Atlantic in TWAC 2020, describing it as the most awe inspiring experience. Now here she is, taking on that challenge once again, joined by an amazing crew! This challenge will culminate in her being the first UK woman to race TWAC twice, she will also be competing to be the first EVER woman to race TWAC more than once. What is she most looking forward to? Seeing the crew experience the World’s toughest race for the first time, and experiencing the beauty that is the Atlantic Ocean!

Adam

After completing several long-distance running races and duathlons, Adam was looking for a more challenging physical achievement. He has rowed for the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and after moving the family to the South Coast he realised he had a great affiliation with the sea. He started spending more time in the water from surfing, kayaking, wakeboarding and sailing which lead to him becoming the Army Offshore Sailing Champion in 2021, but as soon as he heard about the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge he knew he had to find a team.

Kevin, Gemma and Adam Completed the 3000 mile Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge 2022 in

44 days: 11 hours: 39 minutes.

A huge congratulations for such a tremendous achievement!

Head over to their Just Giving page to find out more about their reason WHY and donate if you feel called to.

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