Rowing the Atlantic to inspire the next generation

Two crews are taking on the World’s Toughest Row to test their endurance, inspire young people and monitor plastic pollution
Oars of Thunder with Richard Thompson and James Delaney - World's Toughest Row event
Two crews are taking on the challenge of a lifetime by rowing the Atlantic – and hope to inspire the next generation to look after their oceans in the process.
The four-strong teams from Lessons from a Boat and Oars of Thunder are leaving the Canary Islands in early December, set to arrive in Antigua in mid-January. 
As well as testing their endurance on the event, known as the World’s Toughest Row, they’ll gather plastic pollution data to inform a project at the ²ÝùÊÓƵ on satellite detection of marine litter.  
The teams held an event outlining the importance of ocean conservation to local year nine pupils, and showing them the limited living space they’ll have on their journey. 
Lessons from a Boat will also be delivering teaching sessions to children at various schools en route when they depart in December.
To spur the teams on even further, they are supporting a number of charities, including the RNLI (Oars of Thunder) and Diabetes UK, Cancer Research and The Final Straw (Lessons from a Boat). 
Oars of Thunder - World's Toughest Row event Oars of Thunder
Lessons from a Boat - World's Toughest Row event. Launch event in a classroom
Lesson from a Boat group photo - World's Toughest Row event Lessons from a Boat

What will the row entail? 

The journey from the Canary Islands to Antigua is 3,000 miles long, and is set to take roughly 45 days. The waves could be up to 40ft high, with the ocean itself up to five miles deep. Each rower will be rowing two hours on, two hours off, sleeping in a pod that’s seven feet long and using a bucket for a toilet. Food-wise, each crew member will need around 5,000 calories per day, and the teams are currently looking at the most lightweight, nutritious packets to take on board. 

What research is taking place?  

Currently, scientists worldwide use satellite images to record marine litter and its location, informing cleanup solutions. 
But James Delaney , a PhD student in the University’s International Marine Litter Research Unit , is exploring how small the litter can be before the satellite stops detecting it.
As he explains, the rowers will provide valuable insight into marine waste flow by reaching places that most others can’t.  
Marine litter - World's Toughest Row
Marine litter - World's Toughest Row 

The teams will spot and log visible items of floating marine plastic – what we call macro plastics – including the size, exact location, time, weather condition and the condition of the item.

We will then compare what they log with what is captured via satellite pictures, enabling us to gain a better understanding of marine waste flow.
Scientists worldwide are monitoring beaches and coastal waters, but rarely does anyone get the chance to reach the middle of the ocean. This is a really valuable opportunity to inform research that ultimately aims to make our oceans as clean as possible, so we’re very grateful for the teams’ support.

James DelaneyJames Delaney
PhD student in the International Marine Litter Research Unit

How have the teams prepared?

All of the Lessons from a Boat team are over 50, with two having never rowed before. In addition to strength training, preparation has included two 24-hour rowathons, with each crew member rowing for two hours on, two hours off, mimicking the routine they’ll have while taking on the Atlantic. 
The Oars of Thunder team, all of whom are recreational gig rowers, have undertaken regular practice rows around Devon and Cornwall. They have also worked with the University’s Physiotherapy team to measure their body fat and blood lactate to ensure they are in peak physical condition for the challenge. 
Sally Crabb - World's Toughest Row event physio training
Oars of Thunder - World's Toughest Rowing team
Oars of Thunder - world's toughest rowing event physiotherapy training
Oares of thunder - worlds toughest rowing event physiotherapy training
Sally Crabb - World's Toughest Row event

What the teams say

I’m really grateful to the University for supporting the challenge, and we’re pleased to be able to inform research and spread the word about the world-leading marine litter expertise here in turn.

Being away for over a month in winter, and over the festive period too, certainly adds an extra dimension to what we’re hoping to achieve, but we know our training has been solid. It’s going to be an incredible adventure, while making a difference to the future of our oceans. 

Sally CrabbMrs Sally Crabb
Associate Director of Treasury at the ²ÝùÊÓƵ, and part of the Oars of Thunder crew

It’s an exciting challenge and one that we’re not underestimating, as more people have climbed Everest than rowed the Atlantic.

Not only is the physical endurance going to be essential, but the insights we could have into our ocean are incredible. 
It’s great to engage the next generation in the challenge too, both in our launch event and en route, so we hope a huge amount of good is going to come from it.
Dan Dicker from Lessons from a Boat

This is a really exciting endeavour that we’re pleased to be able to support, and we’re looking forward to seeing what both teams find as they capture data to inform our research.

Most importantly, we wish the crews all the very best as they prepare for the adventure of a lifetime.

Richard Thompson OBE FRSProfessor Richard Thompson OBE FRS
Director of the Marine Institute

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