The first Atlantic Rowing Race took place in October 1997. Ten years on, the race attracts a mixture of singles, doubles and four-man crews from across the globe. This year’s event begins on 2nd December. Crews will race from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to English Harbour in Antigua, crossing 2,800 miles of open ocean and facing conditions ranging from relentless sun to raging storms (although the boys are hoping for something in between). The race is a test of mental and physical endurance and can take a four-man crew anywhere from 37 days (the current record) to over two months to complete. A crew of four is expected to row at an average speed of around three knots (3.5 mph), but as the race and the elements take their toll, it remains to be seen if the lads will manage to sustain this tempo for the entire crossing. Sleep depravation, blisters and weight-loss will be among the challenges facing the lads, although it’s not all bad news; the risk of future weight-loss provides a good excuse to eat like kings in the run-up to the event and focus on gaining a few extra pounds of insulation to see them though. During the race, a great deal will ride on the route taken by the crews. Some teams opt for a shorter, more direct passage between the two islands, while others prefer to detour south where they hope to pick up the more favourable trade winds. However, there are no set rules and it is down to each individual crew to adopt the course which they hope will give them the greatest advantage. The race will be accompanied by two support yachts and the crews are advised to stay in regular radio contact throughout the crossing. However, as the fleet spreads out, assistance can be anything up to four days’ sailing away, so each competing craft needs to be fully self-sufficient and after setting out from La Gomera, it is not uncommon for crews to see no other competing craft for the entirety of their voyage. Despite the potential hardships, the boys have no doubt that the rewards will far outweigh any discomforts during the race. From the wildlife and weather to the sunsets and seascapes, the crossing is sure to leave them with memories that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. Regardless of the race results, the chance to compete in an event such as this and to experience the open ocean in such an immediate and hands-on fashion truly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Until the next time, that is… You will be able to keep track of Team Pura Vida’s progress during the race by checking the news page.