Lanzarote to Antigua: A 3,200-Mile Challenge
A group of daring adventurers, Row For It, Cruising Free and Dadli Explorers (local team), is preparing to embark on one of the most grueling challenges in the world: the Atlantic Dash to Antigua. This epic ocean rowing journey stretches across 3,200 miles, starting in Lanzarote in the Canary Islands and finishing in the welcoming Caribbean paradise of Antigua. Participants, who come from all walks of life, will face weeks of extreme conditions as they row across the vast Atlantic Ocean using nothing but human power.
Unlike traditional races, the Atlantic Dash prioritizes personal achievement and adventure over competition. Rowers will navigate unpredictable weather, powerful ocean currents, and the isolation of the open sea. The event is described as both a mental and physical test, often labeled a life-changing experience by those who complete it.
When rowers arrive, they’re greeted with the unmatched warmth and hospitality Antigua is famous for. Locals and visitors gather in droves to cheer for the teams, celebrating not just the achievement of crossing the Atlantic but also the unyielding human spirit.
For many participants, the highlight of the Atlantic Dash is their arrival in Antigua. After weeks of enduring the harshness of the Atlantic, the sight of Antigua’s vibrant coastline and the enthusiastic cheers of its people create an emotional and unforgettable moment.
Antigua’s involvement is more than symbolic. The event brings significant economic benefits, drawing visitors, supporters, and media from across the world. Local businesses, hotels, and restaurants thrive during the event, while the international exposure reinforces Antigua’s position as a hub for adventure sports and cultural tourism.
Meet the team: WAVES TO AWARENESS- FORMERLY KNOWN AS DADLI EXPLORERS
/ Steffan Evans, 34
/ Ruby Coates, 30
Boat: Mrs Nelson, Rannoch R45
Supporting: Caribbean Maritime Safety Association / National Sailing Academy Antigua
Our pairs team is a UK couple who live in Antigua so they are quite literally rowing home! And yes, they are being sponsored with a large supply of sun cream
Despite being novice rowers, these 2 aren’t lacking in ocean experience. In Antigua they teach maritime courses such as sea survival, volunteer for search and rescue and have set up a non-profit organisation which, among other things, teaches Antiguans how to swim.
The Journey to Antigua
Participants in the Atlantic Dash embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey, battling unpredictable weather, powerful currents, and weeks of solitude aboard their rowing vessels. The race starts in Lanzarote, known for its dramatic volcanic terrain, and ends in Antigua, whose lush landscapes and turquoise waters make the perfect setting for a victorious finish.
After navigating the open ocean, rowers find solace and celebration in Antigua. The island’s energetic welcome, filled with music, local cuisine, and vibrant culture, serves as a reminder of why Antigua is more than just a destination—it’s a home for adventurers.
Antigua’s role as host of the Atlantic Dash finish line adds to its legacy as a central hub for world-class rowing and sailing events. It joins the ranks of events like the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge and Antigua Sailing Week, which continue to showcase the island’s maritime excellence.
The Atlantic Dash not only boosts Antigua’s visibility but also strengthens ties with the rowing and sailing communities. It’s a chance for Antigua to share its culture, beauty, and hospitality with participants from around the globe.
Whether you’re a rower, a supporter, or a spectator, the Atlantic Dash in Antigua is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when determination meets a warm and welcoming community.
For more details on this extraordinary event, visit atlanticdash.com.