Fifty-five rowers from across the globe took to the water for the start of the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge 2020 – an epic 3,000 mile rowing challenge across the Atlantic Ocean.
Beginning in the Spanish port of San Sebastian de la Gomera in the Canary Islands and ending in Nelson’s Dockyard in Antigua–Barbuda, the crews will spend between 30 to 90 days at sea where they could face commanding waves, extreme physical challenge and nature in its purest form from spellbinding starry skies to dolphins in their natural habitats, and a whole host of marine wildlife as they row the 3,000 miles to Antigua.
Over 21 international teams – including four-man crews, all-female and solo crews – from countries including South Africa, the Netherlands, the United States of America and Great Britain are taking on the race under strict COVID-19 protocols after years of preparation.
Frank Rothwell, 70, who is taking on the challenge with the hope of raising £1m for Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “It’s safe to say the enormity of the challenge is really hitting home! On the nighttime ferry to La Gomera, I looked out to the dark sea and I couldn’t see the horizon. That’s when it hit me, I thought I can’t believe I’m going out there on my own! Now I’m making final preparations at the start line, I know just how much I will miss my home comforts, especially my family, and wife of 50 years, Judith. But luckily for me, she’s promised to call me twice a day to keep me company. ”
Only one team, Latitude 35, is from the U.S. “I grew up in New York City, on the 7th floor of a 16 floor apartment building in Manhattan. I did not grow up next to an ocean, I had never rowed until about a year and a half ago. I hadn’t spent more than five and half hours on a rowing machine until I started training for the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge. That said, I love pushing the limits of what’s considered possible and this race seemed like the perfect challenge to do just that,” said Dixon McDonald, captain of Latitude 35.
Natalia Montigny, head of global marketing for Talisker said, “Talisker was founded in 1830 by two wild spirits – the MacAskill brothers – who rowed from Eigg to Skye in search of the perfect location for their distillery so we can say that Talisker Whisky is truly Made By The Sea.
“Every year we are touched by the incredible stories and determination of those taking part in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge. We wish them all the best as they undertake this epic journey and look forward to welcoming them back and raising a toast to their accomplishment.”