The Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge

We returned yesterday (21st December 2018) from our week in La Gomera for the start of the Atlantic Campaigns, Talisker whiskey Atlantic Challenge. What an amazing week. 

We have been training Rowers for this race “the toughest rowing race in the world” since 2012 and every year I’m blown away by the amazing individuals that take part in this challenge.  More often than not these crazy

Individuals, pairs and teams come to us to complete their shore based training at the very beginning of the journey. Sometimes before teams are fully formed frequently before they even have a boat.  We start the journey with them and the emotions that engulf me when I’m out there seeing them off for their row are indescribable. I’m so happy to see them at this point; this is it everything they have worked so hard for is now. I’m Afraid too: This is the Atlantic Ocean with all of its boundless beauty, and ferocious temper, she’s capable of nurturing the most incredible wild life on the planet, of calming the soul, bringing peace and snatching lives in seconds! And there I am waving and telling them to have a good trip (with tears hidden behind smiles and sunglasses). What an honour!

What a week it’s been! Helping this year’s Rowers last minute navigation refreshers, studying the wind forecasts and tweaking passage plans. The Blue Marlin is where our evenings turn to night and occasionally to morning again!  Catching up with rowers from previous years and the other teams of suppliers and boat builders who come out to support our adventurers.  Not to mention the band of future rowers there to soak up the atmosphere and the knowledge.  Atlantic Campaigns and Talisker play host to some great events which we are lucky enough to go along to.  Paella and karaoke, the leavers party, and this year the wilderness beach party. Fantastic evenings filled with chatter and laughter, tales of past rows and speculation of future ones.

This year’s start saw perfect weather with favourable winds and calm seas. And so all the race started on time and everyone has got off to a good and safe start. A delay of 24 hours for Men of Oar who had a problem with the boat that had to be sorted out before they could start. But they remained stoical and good natured, did what they had to do and set off at about 4pm the next day just a couple of hours after we left the island. They have put in a great couple of days rowing and have now caught up with back of the fleet.  Good luck to all the teams! Get dot watching at

www.taliskerwhiskyatlanticchallenge.com/2018racetracker/https://www.taliskerwhiskyat

lanticchallenge.com/2018racetracker/