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Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua once again serves as the triumphant finish line for one of the world’s most demanding endurance challenges — the World’s Toughest Row – Atlantic. Covering approximately 3,000 miles of open ocean, the race begins on the volcanic shores of San Sebastián de La Gomera, Spain, and concludes in the historic harbour of English Harbour, Nelson’s Dockyard.
The annual race, which starts in early December, brings together teams from across the globe who gather in the race village in La Gomera to prepare for the immense physical and mental challenge ahead. United by a single objective — to cross the Atlantic Ocean in a rowing boat — competitors face weeks at sea battling exhaustion, isolation, extreme weather conditions, and the relentless demands of the ocean.
A Unique Test of Human Endurance
World’s Toughest Row is more than a race; it is a test of resilience, teamwork, and mental strength. Crews from all walks of life take on sleep deprivation, salt sores, physical strain, and long stretches of isolation, with nothing but the horizon ahead and the task of rowing safely to the other side.
While competitiveness drives the race, camaraderie plays an equally vital role. The shared experience forges strong bonds among participants, and upon arrival, rowers become part of a small global community connected by the rare achievement of crossing an ocean under their own power.
Race Progress and Arrivals in Antigua
This year’s edition features 43 teams navigating the vast and varied Atlantic Ocean, with arrivals in Antigua beginning from January 14.
Leading the race across all categories was Swiss four-man team 44 West, consisting of Julian, Luca, Lorenzo, and Matthias. The team completed the crossing in an impressive 31 days, 8 hours, and 8 minutes, becoming the overall winners of the 2025 World’s Toughest Row – Atlantic and the first team to arrive at Nelson’s Dockyard.
Other notable competitors include fellow Swiss crew Kiwi Fondue, who followed closely behind, and South Africa’s Ocean Mavericks, who also delivered a strong performance across the Atlantic crossing.
The race features multiple categories, including solo, pairs, trios, and fours, each presenting its own unique challenges. Solo rowers face the ultimate endurance test, spending weeks alone at sea, while team categories rely heavily on coordination, resilience, and mutual support to complete the journey.
Nelson’s Dockyard: The Finish Line
As the official finish point, Nelson’s Dockyard offers a historic and symbolic welcome to competitors after their transatlantic journey. The arrival of the rowing teams is a powerful moment, drawing locals and visitors alike to witness the culmination of months of preparation and weeks of physical and mental endurance.
The Antigua and Barbuda National Parks Authority extends congratulations to all participants of the World’s Toughest Row – Atlantic 2025 and commends their extraordinary determination in completing one of the world’s most challenging ocean races.
ABOUT The National Parks Authority
The National Parks Authority (NPA) is a Statutory Corporation constituted under the National Parks Act Cap. 290 (1984) of the Laws of Antigua and Barbuda. The Act mandates that the NPA is self-financing and operates as a not-for-profit organization in order to preserve, protect, manage and develop the natural environment, heritage, architecture, and culture of the Nelson’s Dockyard National Park. Since 2016, the historical core, the Georgian era Royal Navy Dockyard and surrounding British military sites have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in recognition of the long and successful stewardship and management of the NPA.
