TODAY sees the start of one of the world’s great endurance challenges and the expertise of a small Devon business is critical in the likely successes of most of the participating teams.

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 3,000-mile journey across the Atlantic Ocean from the Canary Islands to Antigua.

Eleven of the 21 teams that set out from La Gomera on Saturday, December 12, have been given their on-shore training and preparation by Teignmouth-based SeaSports Southwest to ensure a safe, efficient and successful crossing.

The event is regarded as one of the planet’s toughest physical and mental challenges with solo, pairs, triple and fours crews typically taking between 30 and 90 days to complete the challenge.

It might not be obvious from their humble base at Teignmouth’s back beach, but behind the SeaSport Southwest’s doors lies expertise that is globally respected.

As well as being a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA) certified water sports training centre, SeaSports Southwest are the world’s foremost training base for ocean rowing. 

Sue Cox, co-founder of SeaSports Southwest said: ‘From 2013-2019, we have trained 61 per cent of all race participants from 16 countries, including 15 who have won the race or broke a world record.

‘This is 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.

‘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.’