The castaway gift inspiring an epic challenge

The World’s Toughest Row fleet continues its incredible journey across the Atlantic, with conditions really pushing the limits.

The second half of the race, which many teams have now reached, is usually very predictable in terms of speed and, consequently, estimated times of arrival (ETAs). However, this year, we are seeing slower conditions very late in the race, adding a new challenge to what, just weeks ago, appeared to be a relatively fast or at least average race.

Row4Cancer, who have been in the lead since the beginning, are still running a smooth operation, despite the slow conditions. It’s no secret that the team had a record in mind, but sometimes Mother Nature has other plans.

Their current ETA is January 18, but with a bit of luck and favourable weather for the final stretch, we could see a fast “sprint” that moves the ETA up.

The fleet is now widely spread, with a distance of approximately 1,140 nautical miles separating the leading boat, Row4Cancer, and the boat furthest back, Yallah Go!

Though there are no significant storms ahead and conditions are mild, this produces its own challenges: slower speeds, greater fatigue and lowering morale as ETAs are often not as hoped for. Half of the fleet has had to go on para-anchor for at least some of the time in recent days.

Those who have seen Castaway will know the story of the bloody handprint in the shape of a face. For those who haven’t: the Tom Hanks character, Chuck Noland, is marooned on a desert island after an air crash, with just a volleyball made by Wilson for company.

Noland’s bloodstained hand creates a facial image on the ball, and this becomes the character ‘Wilson’, who keeps him company and provides the support and motivation that ultimately saves his life.

The Wilson on board Devon boat Oar Mighty Mates was given to Andy Purvis by Carole Pey. Her late husband Brendan had bought it for Andy to take with him across on the row but hadn’t managed to give it to him personally.

Brendan was playing golf with Andy back in November 2022, when he collapsed suddenly at the 12th hole. Andy was unable to revive him and Brendan very sadly died, leaving Carole and their four children behind.

“I think about Brendan a lot,” says Andy. “His death was very tough to get over, obviously much tougher for his family, of course. Carole gave me Wilson a week after he died. Brendan had wanted me to have it. I promised her I would take it across.”

Thirty-eight ocean rowing boats with 110 ocean rowers representing 21 nations left San Sebastian de La Gomera on December 11. The race is a 3,000 mile unsupported rowing race across the Atlantic Ocean west from San Sebastian in La Gomera in the Canary Islands (280N 180W) to Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbour, Antigua & Barbuda (170N 610W).

The 38 competing crews are made up of 6 solos, 11 pairs, 4 trios, 15 fours and 2 fives. Two solo rowers; Vic Handley of the UK returned within two hours of the start with technical problems; and in an incredibly hard and brave decision German Martin Stengele retired on January 5 and was towed to Cape Verde.

Amongst the local crews are rowers from Exmouth, Team Rollocks, who were at Dartmouth Regatta this year; a local businessman from Teignmouth, Tim Cox aboard Oar Mighty Mates with Andy Purvis; and Atlantic Exploarers in an ocean rowing boat named Rockfisher 2 with connections to Brixham.

Atlantic Exploarers, a four, are currently 5th; Team Rollocks, a five, are 20th; and Oar Mighty Mates, a pair, 26th.