Extreme Rowing

The development of ocean rowing has continued over the past two decades, with more and more people taking on the challenge of the seas. This growth has been assisted with the introduction of organised races between the Canary Islands and the Caribbean. The first of these was in 1997, it was organised by Sir Chay Blyth and records for this route continue to be made and remade.

Among the rowing personalities who completed the challenge in 2006 was Olympic oarsman James Cracknell who paired up with television presenter Ben Fogle to come first in their class. Their journey across the Atlantic was captured on film for a BBC documentary 'Through Hell and High Water'. Also taking part that year were solo rowers Chris Martin of Molesey Boat Club and Roz Savage.