The event that we’ll be taking part in is the Woodvale Challenge Atlantic Rowing Race 2011. This is an event organised every two years which sees around thirty boats attempt an Atlantic crossing from La Gomera in the Canary Isles to English Harbour in Antigua (2500 nautical miles or 2900 statute miles as the crow flies). The fleet of boats that enter the race are comprised of solo rowers, pairs and fours boats, plus the occasional “out of class” crew. In the 2009 race, for example, a 12-man crew set out to try and break the outright Atlantic crossing world record. While the fleet set off at the same time, after roughly 100 miles it has dispersed enough so that individual boats don’t see one another for the duration of the voyage. Woodvale (owned and run by celebrated ocean rower Simon Chalk) provides two support yachts that sail with the fleet in case of emergency, but are only ever seen if required. Being the first pedal-powered boat to enter the race, we had to seek special permission from Woodvale to participate. Fortunately, they are just as excited as we are, and have been fantastically supportive. We’ll be competing “out-of-class”, not only due to our pedal-propulsion but also as we’re designing the boat ourselves.

Here are the details of our planned journey:

• We will leave La Gomera on December 4th 2011.
• Initially heading South-South-West, to head towards the favourable winds and currents, we will then turn West and set a course for Antigua.
• As per the rules the event, the boat will be entirely self-sufficient.
• We’ll have solar panels on board to generate electricity, which amongst other things will power a watermaker to desalinate the ocean water for us to drink.
• We’ll carry all the food we need for the crossing on board (200kg of it!). In order for us to finish the race with the “unsupported” acclaim, we are not allowed to accept anything on board from the moment we leave La Gomera.
• For the fastest crossing time, we will take it in turns to pedal the boat. We’ll switch places every two hours, from the moment we start to the moment we finish. Quite what this regime will do to our bodies and minds remains to be seen! It was all Marks’ idea…