TRAINING is underway for the World’s Toughest Rowing challenge as the first five-person mixed-gender crew prepares to row 3000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean hoping to achieve a new world record and vital business sponsorship.

The challenge is expected to take between 40 and 60 days with the crew rowing for 24 hours per day in two-hour shifts.

Salisbury Journal: Atlantic-Fusion Rowing EventAtlantic-Fusion Rowing Event (Image: Atlantic-Fusion)

Amesbury resident, Steven Haywood, 51, is a retired military veteran who spent 36 years in the security forces.

He said: “This is a crazy but doable event. It is a non-profit venture. Ultimately, we need sponsorship so we can raise funds for a very important charity – Abbie’s Army. It raises money for children with brain cancer. This is a special charity for us.

The five team members include Steven as well as Molly Hemeter, 24, Dave Fassam, 50, Bel Noyes, 50 and Annika Israelsson, who is 30.

He said: “The boat will be 4 metres by 1.5 metres. It’s about three steps from the two cabins to where you row. We will have a GPS navigation system and solar-powered electrics.”

Read more: Wild fun for children at a free nature event

The average weight-loss per person is anticipated to be 12.5kg so they will need to consume 10,000 calories each day. The plan is to row for two hours and then sleep for two hours while navigating Atlantic storms and coping with waves up to 40 feet. 

Steven admitted the event was going to be arduous. 

He said: “We still have to have training for when the boat capsizes - which it will. We will need to be strapped in. It will be a bit bumpy for those who are sleeping on the cabin floor if that happens, but it will be great to see so much nature – dolphins, orcas and sharks.”

The event takes place on Wednesday, December 4, 2024.

For more information about the challenge and various sponsorship packages, go to Atlantic-fusion.com