WORLD'S TOUGHEST ROW

Afterwords from CEO & Race Director, Carsten Heron Olsen of the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge.

Last Tuesday at 01:20 AM UTC (Monday 21:20 PM Antigua time) after 96 days & 13 hours the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge 2016 came to an end - and what a race we have had! 12 boats left the shores of La Gomera in December 2016 and 11 of them made it all the way 3000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean to English Harbour, Antigua. The teams have been battling storms, sickness, injury and mechanical failures but there been equal heights of amazing wildlife, incredible seas and above all, personal triumphs and records!

As the CEO of Atlantic Campaigns I am incredible proud of our teams and their determination. Taking part in the World's Toughest Row takes courage, physical and psychological strengths and the rowers we said good bye to in La Gomera have litterately undertaken a life changing experience - incredible to be witness to and part of.

I would like to say a special thank you to the incredible Atlantic Campaigns staff who are the reason for this race once again being taken to a new level - a special thanks to Event Co-ordinator Nikki Holter & Virtual assistant Mette Fagerlind for keeping up with me when stresslevel is high! To our Duty officers Ian Couch & Lee Fudge for once again keeping the fleet safe and sound. A big thank you to all involved authorities - the people of Antigua & Barbuda and La Gomera. To Nelson's Dockyard Marina & Marina La Gomera for being helpful and letting us use your incredible facilities - Finish Line support, ABSAR for always being at the right place at the right time - PR agency, Story PR & Media distributor, Precious Media for spreading the word - Producer Simon Tucker, Bow River Films + crew for awesome footage - Official Race Photographer, Ben Duffy for capturing what its all about - Local footage and image support, Ted Martin & Charlotte Drew for always being ready when needed - Support yacht crews of Skye (Rico Kaboom + crew) and Miss Tick (Maria Campo + crew) for being out there with our teams...you guys are incredible! - Race Doctor Thor Munch-Andersen for always being ready with advise at the other end of the sat phone - Boatbuilders, equipment suppliers, ocean rowing influencers and course providers for being so passionate about the sport and our race - Airline partner Virgin Atlantic for transporting us to the other side! Clothing partner Gill for keeping our rowers warm on cold nights at the Atlantic. The incredible staff of Nelson's Dockyard National Park and to the kindest staff and our second family at Copper & Lumber Store Hotel lead by Eloise Francis. To our addicted Dot watchers around the world and to our title sponsor Talisker for believing in our race.

Last but not least and the biggest thank you to our incredible participants previous and future and their family and friends....You Are The Race!

259 days to the next one - cant wait! Carsten Heron Olsen