The World's Toughest Ocean Rowing Challenge, is still on for 2020.

This week sees the start of one of the world’s great endurance challenges and for the first time since 2012 the SeaSports Southwest training team cannot be there to support them in person. 

However, as is the case with a lot of life in 2020, we are continuing to support all of our rowers ‘virtually’ with video calls already on the go

Billed as “The World’s Toughest Row”, the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge takes place every year with teams from across the world attempting to complete an arduous 3000-mile journey from the Canary Islands to Antigua. 

21 teams will set out from La Gomera on Saturday 12th December and we are privileged to have worked with eleven of them, completing their on-shore training and preparation in person and virtually.

TWAC is an event that takes rowers to their physical and mental limits and preparation is critical. 

We became recommended trainers for TWAC in 2012 and our involvement has grown and grown.  Teams travel the globe to visit our scenic little corner of the UK to benefit from the international level of expertise that lies behind the centre doors of SeaSports Southwest.

As well as being a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA) certified water sports training centre, we are the world’s foremost training base for the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge.

It is why dozens of teams from across the world undertake ocean rowing training with us every year to ensure a safe, efficient and ultimately, successful crossing.

From 2013-2019, we have trained 61% of all race participants from 16 countries, including 15 who have won the race or broke a world record. We are looking forward to another record-breaking event this year, despite the odds. 

A huge well done to all of the Rowers for just getting to the start line this year and a huge congratulations to Atlantic Campaigns for managing to keep the event running in such tricky times.