THE WORLD'S TOUGHEST OCEAN ROWING CHALLENGE, IS BACK FOR 2021.

There’s just over two weeks to go until the start of one of the world’s great endurance challenges and one of the most exciting times of the year for us, as we (fingers crossed) travel to La Gomera to support all of the teams who have trained with us for Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge 2021. 

This time last year we were a bit down hearted as Covid stopped us attending for the first time since we began partnering the race in 2012, but this year it is looking very hopeful that we can go and support the teams in person.

TWAC* is a gruelling event that takes rowers to their physical and mental limits, 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. 

This year 38 teams, including solo rowers up to teams of 5, will set out from La Gomera on Sunday 12th December and we are privileged to have worked with most of them, completing their on-shore training and preparation.

We became recommended trainers for TWAC in 2012 and since then our involvement has grown and grown.   Most people still do not realise that as well as being an RYA* and AALA certified water sports training centre, that we are the world’s foremost training base for the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge too!

We love the fact that dozens of teams travel from the corners of the globe to visit our quiet, scenic little corner of the UK for their ocean rowing training.  The diversity and energy it can add to a quiet winter in our little seaside town is fantastic.

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 that the pandemic has thrown at us all. 

All of the Rowers that even manage to get to the start line this year deserve a huge round of applause, as this is hard enough in a ‘normal’ year! 

Watch out for more from us on the challenge as we follow the teams on their gruelling journey to the finish line and please do get in contact if you are thinking about training for a rowing or any other ocean challenge or take a look at some more details on our website, here.

Signing off….from Sue, Tim and all of the team at SeaSports Southwest

*Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge

**Royal Yachting Association

***AALA Adventure Activities Licensing Authority