1 Ocean ~ 2 Charities ~ 4 Rowers ~ 3000 Miles
The Mayflower Atlantic Challenge
On the 12th of December 2024, the founder of star* and chair of trustees, Dan Wooler, along with three friends, will take on the challenge of rowing unaided across the Atlantic Ocean. The crew will continuously row for 3,000 miles over 40-45 days, with each pair rowing for two hours and then resting for two hours. During the rest hours, they will attend to tasks such as maintaining the boat, preparing food, navigating, cleaning the bottom of the boat, and staying in contact with civilisation. The crew, who have been friends since school and all hail from Plymouth, have set out to raise £200,000 to be shared between two charities.
The Mayflower Crew is taking on this challenging journey not just for the accolades, but to support star* and The Mustard Tree Cancer Support Center.
Dan's unwavering commitment to star* goes beyond taking the scheme to every corner of the UK, as he fearlessly braves the sea despite his sea sickness. With £100,000 being raised, star* edges closer to its goal of impacting the lives of 7,000 young individuals. Paul, who was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2019, is passionate about supporting the Mustard Tree, which became a sanctuary for him and his family during their toughest days. Now cancer-free, Paul is determined to repay the centre for the vital support they provided during and after his illness.
At sea, the team will grapple with sleep deprivation, salt sores, and the physical toll of the rowing journey. Rowers will be left with their own thoughts, the endless ocean, and the task of bringing the boat to safety on the other side. The row offers a unique experience for everyone involved.
All donations raised will go directly to the charities. The challenge is entirely self-funded by the crew.
You can support the crew by donating now.
Race start - La Gomera, Canary Islands, 12/12/2024
Race finish - English Harbour, Antigua
The World Toughest Row Facts
In the 2020 race, 3 boats had their hulls holed by Blue Marlin - but all three boats went on to successfully complete their crossing.
Based on the number of days required to cross, the food for a solo rower weighs in excess of 65kg, a pair 50kg, a trio 45kg and 41kg for a four.
Each team will row in excess of 1.5 million oar strokes during a race.
Team Fortitude IV achieved the fastest 24 hours ever with 107.45 nautical miles covered.
Rowers will row for 2 hours, and sleep for 2 hours, constantly, 24 hours a day.
In an average year, more people summit Mt Everest than have EVER rowed an ocean.
Participants in the race have raised over €16 million for charities worldwide over the last six races.
At its deepest, the Atlantic Ocean is 8.5km / 5.28 miles deep.
The waves that the rowers experience can measure up to 20ft high.
There are two safety yachts tracking the teams as they cross the ocean. In the 2013 race, one yacht travelled a massive 9000nm!
Each rower is expected to use 800 sheets of toilet paper during their crossing.
The teams are supported 24/7 by two land-based Safety Officers.
In the 2016 race, solo rower Daryl Farmer arrived in Antigua after 96 days, rowing without a rudder to steer with for nearly 1200miles/40 days.
Each rower aims to consume 10 litres of water per day.
Rowers burn in excess of 5,000 calories per day.
There is no toilet on board – rowers use a bucket!
The average rower loses around 8kg during a crossing.
In the 2018 race, solo rower Kelda Wood (Row 2 Raise) was kept company by a whale for nearly 7 days.
A fully functioning water maker takes 30 minutes to make 20 litres of water
The World Toughest Row
Sponsorship packages are currently available to provide support.
A promotional video is available for viewing, featuring the advantages of sponsoring an Atlantic crew. The benefits encompass global television coverage in over 100 countries, celebrity endorsements, as well as extensive press and digital media coverage comprising more than 1800 pieces, resulting in £15 million raised for charities and exposure to an audience exceeding 800 million individuals.
Each mile costs £30, except for the first 100 and last 100 miles which will be £100! All of this money will be donated directly to the charities. Simply select the value you would like to donate (must be a multiple of £30) and enter your credit card details. We will acknowledge all donors for the miles they have sponsored on all of our social media channels. We will also celebrate your donation on the day we row the miles you have bought! All donations under Buy A Mile will go to the charities whether the race is completed or not (and we fully intend to complete it!).
By donating £300 you will have your name (or a name of your choice) AND a message of your choice written inside the cabins on the boat.
All of this money will be donated directly to the charities. All donations under 300 Club will go to the charities whether the race is completed or not (and we fully intend to complete it!).
