Previous to this update, shortly after the start of the race solo-rower Vic Handley rowing for the charity UMBRELLA, Derby County, retired from the race due to technical difficulties.
The boats are so small compared to other much larger vessels at sea, and it’s important the rowers know what is around them so they can stay out of trouble. Each of the boats carries an Automatic Identification System (AIS) which sounds an alarm when another vessel comes within a set radius of their boats.
The crews also have a huge amount of safety equipment onboard to be used in an emergency. Solo rower, Ananya Prasad, has taken three sat phones, two mobile phones, a VHF radio, an internet connection; and AIS, and a dedicated tracker are also onboard to help with communication and tracking. Each boat also has an Emergency Position-Indication Radio Beacon (EPIRB) which can be activated if the rower(s) are in real trouble. If pressed, the EPIRB will inform the Coastguard of the boat’s exact position along wth details of the boat, and the emergency contacts, which is the World’s Toughest Row. If necessary the Coastguard will provide further support. It’s been noted that although the crews are realistically out of helicopter rescue; the coastguard can talk to the nearest vessel to ask them to reroute to pick up a crew if needed.
Updates from a few of the teams:
Solo rower Martin Stengele⏤retires
Solo rower Martin Stengele of Germany, part of Team All 4 One, has made the difficult decision to retire from the race. After rowing over 500 nautical miles, Martin faced conditions that made it impossible to continue on his course to Antigua. Supported by the race’s safety team, he is now headed for Cape Verde, where he and his boat will be recovered and arrangements made for his return to Germany.
In an emotional update, Martin’s media team shared a poignant message: “Martin’s journey is much more than a sporting adventure. It’s a journey of dreams, longing, and dedication. Yet the ocean writes its own rules.”
Despite the change in plans, Martin remains in good spirits, exemplifying courage in prioritising safety over ambition. This shift in course reminds us that true strength lies in making the right decisions in the face of adversity.
Marc Germiquet⏤continues to lead the solo rowers
Botswana’s Marc Germiquet, rowing solo as Ocean’s Way, has faced his share of challenges. Currently leading the solo rowers and holding a competitive 9th place overall, Marc has covered over 1,027 nautical miles with 1,700 more to reach Antigua. However, the journey has not been without obstacles. Winds have been pushing Marc northward, slowing his progress. A problem with his solar system required rewiring, costing him valuable rowing time. Fortunately, his mechanical skills came to the rescue, a testament to his resourcefulness and resilience. With the promise of trade winds on the horizon, the next 1,000 nautical miles will be critical in determining his pace.
Solo rower Ananya Prasad⏤showing real guts
Over the past week, Ananya Prasad expedition has been marked by challenging weather, technical hurdles, and awe-inspiring moments.
On December 26th, footage captured before Christmas revealed Ananya’s calm demeanour despite the wild conditions. As towering waves surged unpredictably, she casually remarked about enjoying her lunch break amidst the chaos. The relentless Atlantic has become her reality, yet she thrives in this harsh environment. By Christmas Day, the winds had eased, allowing her to adjust course southward to align with shifting wind patterns.
By December 28th, she was mastering the art of wave surfing—using the force of the waves to propel her boat forward. Though exhausting, the experience of riding down the face of a massive wave became one of her journey’s highlights. That night, under a sliver of crescent moon, Ananya was treated to a celestial spectacle. Turning off her boat’s illuminated dials, she marvelled at a sky teeming with stars, accompanied by bioluminescent sparkles in the water, creating a magical union of sea and sky.
However, the expedition hasn’t been without setbacks. On December 29th, a big wave swept her phone into the depths, leaving her reliant on a spare. That same day, her boat’s slowdown led her to discover barnacles encrusting the hull. Undeterred, she braved the open ocean, diving into the depths to scrape them off, likening the experience to a solitary spacewalk.
The challenges persisted on December 30th when her satellite terminal failed to charge. Thanks to expert advice, she resolved the issue and worked to set up her spare phone.
Just hours ago, Ananya shared the story of breaking two Kevlar-reinforced oars during earlier storms. These breaks underscore the immense forces she endures daily. Fortunately, she has spares and the capability to repair them if needed.
Through every trial, Ananya embodies determination and resourcefulness, proving why the Atlantic Odyssey is the world’s toughest row.
New Zealand’s Glimmering Sea Atlantic Crossing⏤remain upbeat and positive
The New Zealand team aboard Glimmering Sea, comprising the intrepid duo of Nicky and Bob, continues to captivate supporters with their vivid accounts from the vast Atlantic. As the oldest mixed team to tackle the grueling Atlantic Challenge, their journey is a feat of endurance. The race are clearly important to them, and their rowing efforts are a testament to the strength of their commitment to their cause: raising awareness for Pilgrim Bandits New Zealand, a charity supporting injured servicemen and women.
On December 23, the team’s ship’s log reflected the raw reality of ocean rowing. A shift in the wind to the north brought uncertainty, hinting at the dreaded prospect of deploying their para anchor to prevent backwards drift. The monotonous rhythm of life at sea had begun to blur time itself—sunrise, endless rowing shifts, and nights filled with erratic sleep punctuated by the deafening bangs of waves slapping against the hull.
“The days are blending into a timeless blur of relentless movement, snack-pack monotony, and necessary ablutions,” they reported. Life on the boat has become a fairground ride of perpetual motion, akin to being trapped on spinning teacups 24/7.
Their makeshift home on the Atlantic is as challenging as the journey itself. With their cabins heating up under the sun, they described the atmosphere as “borderline disgusting.” Meals, rehydrated freeze-dried food, range from mediocre to barely edible, yet they fuel the immense physical exertion required to keep moving westward.
Despite the hardships, the team presses on, managing battery voltage, resetting the tillerpilot when it jams in the dead of night, and embracing their elemental experience: “Together on this tiny boat on a vast, heaving sea that is five miles deep and wholly indifferent to our presence.”
By December 28, the team achieved a significant milestone, crossing the 2,000-nautical-mile-to-go mark. With approximately 1,250,000 oar strokes ahead of them, they celebrated being one-fifth of the way across the Atlantic. Yet, the day was not without its joys.
In their first encounter with flying fish, the team was momentarily distracted from the toil of rowing. Such encounters provide brief, magical reprieves from the monotony of their routine, reconnecting them to the beauty and unpredictability of the ocean.
Their perseverance has garnered attention online, with the duo urging supporters to share their story and help grow their Facebook following to over 500 subscribers by the New Year. Every like and share aids their mission to bring visibility to Pilgrim Bandits New Zealand.
By December 29, Christmas had come and gone, leaving Glimmering Sea adrift on a heaving ocean with little wind to aid their progress. In their log, they detailed the brutal monotony of their days: “Watch on, watch off, repeat repeat repeat.” The lack of breeze amplified the physical strain, with every stroke of the oars making them acutely aware of the boat’s weight.
Blisters, chafing, and sores have made themselves known, becoming an inescapable reality. Despite their determination to embrace the journey rather than race through it, knowing other boats are just miles ahead has sparked moments of competitive consideration. “We don’t mind playing ‘tail end Charlie,’ but we also don’t want to be out here forever,” they admitted.
Moments of joy still punctuate their challenging days. A group of fish playing around the boat became the highlight of one afternoon, temporarily halting their rowing as they watched the ocean’s lively inhabitants. Later, the duo spent the day on admin and repairs, cleaning the hull and airing mattresses.
“Only a fool would stay longer on the ocean in a tiny rowing boat than they have to,” they noted, aware of the unpredictable nature of weather and the lurking danger of storms.
As the team continues westward, their updates remind us of the sheer magnitude of the challenge they’ve undertaken. Rowing for hours on end, enduring the relentless physical toll, and navigating the Atlantic’s unpredictability—all while raising awareness for a cause close to their hearts—makes Nicky and Bob’s journey nothing short of extraordinary.
With each oar stroke, they inch closer to their destination and the promise of paradise: fluffy beds, fresh water showers, and dry sheets. But for now, Glimmering Sea remains their world, and they continue to inspire all who follow their incredible journey.
Pairs team Carla and Katrin on Atlantic Arrow⏤having a ball
Carla and Katrin finally have their satellite receiver back online, providing a window into their Atlantic adventure. After days of minimal power, the batteries are fully recharged, and the autopilot hums happily again. The team reached the 1000-mile milestone and celebrated by cleaning the hull. Katrin fearlessly dove into the deep blue, scraping away drag-inducing barnacles and algae. With RONJA’s sleek hull, they’re gliding faster through the ocean.
They are now experiencing strong southerly winds which are challenging them, pushing much of the fleet north. Over-night yesterday, they encountered the 180-metre tanker MERSIN. Carla radioed its captain to ensure the vessel passed safely, which it did a mile away.
With hard rowing and determination, they’ve climbed two ranks. As southerly winds test the fleet, Carla and Katrin remain upbeat, entertaining the Atlantic Arrow community with humour and determination.
Four-crew team Row4Cancer⏤staying positive
Team Row4Cancer has kept spirits high despite facing minimal winds and challenging temperatures. Updates reveal their focus on boat maintenance, particularly hull cleaning, which is essential to prevent the growth of barnacles that could impede their progress. The team’s camaraderie and positivity are driving them forward, even as they contend with crosswinds and slower speeds.
Four-crew team Ocean Empower Atlantic Row⏤remain impressive
The all-women crew of Ocean Empower Atlantic Row continues to impress. Leading the women’s class by a significant margin, their strategic southerly route has minimised the impact of adverse weather conditions. Updates highlight their smart use of lightweight waterproof jackets to protect against sunburn and salt sores, as well as deck cushioning for comfort.
Despite slowing winds, the team remains in high spirits, supported by strong camaraderie and excellent progress. Their lead over second-place women’s team Force Atlantic now stands at 86 nautical miles.
The changing Atlantic
As the fleet battles ever-changing weather, the importance of strategy and adaptability comes to the fore. Weather systems, including a low-pressure zone moving across the Atlantic, have posed challenges for all teams. Many boats are navigating crosswinds and rough seas, with some facing waves as high as 20 feet.
Teams like Ocean Empower Atlantic Row have demonstrated the benefits of careful weather routing, while others, like Team Row4Cancer, are persevering through tough conditions with grit and determination.
Ultimately, the World’s Toughest Row is more than a race—it’s about human resilience, resourcefulness, and the enduring spirit of adventure. From Martin Stengele’s courageous decision to Marc Germiquet’s problem-solving under pressure, and the remarkable efforts of the women-led Ocean Empower Atlantic Row, each story adds depth to this incredible journey.
