Four military teams begin their 3,000-mile Atlantic journey in World's Toughest Row

Four military teams have officially begun their race across the Atlantic Ocean in the World's Toughest Row, which has got under way in the Canary Islands.

The teams, which include TEAM V3NTURE, Force Atlantic, HMS Oardacious Valkyries and the Oarsome Army Educators, will row 3,000 nautical miles across the Atlantic while also raising funds for their chosen causes.

Thirty-eight teams comprising 110 rowers from 19 nations will row from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to English Harbour in the Caribbean island of Antigua, a journey that is expected to take approximately six weeks to complete.

• TEAM V3NTURE: Meet the soldiers aiming to be the first military trio to row the Atlantic
• Oarsome Army Educators prepare to test body and mind in World's Toughest Row
• Force Atlantic: Meet the Army's first all-female team taking on the World's Toughest Row

The race start, which was originally set for 12 December, was brought forward 24 hours after weather conditions prompted a change in plan by the organisers.

Two military teams are making history this year as the first-ever all-female military teams to take part in the World's Toughest Row.

Team Force Atlantic, which includes Captain Imogen O'Brien, Major Rebecca Glover, Warrant Officer 1 Sheridan Lucas and Corporal Emma Gibb, are the British Army's first-ever all-female crew to take on the challenge.

It was announced in the days leading up to the race start that Princess Anne has become the team's patron.

In a letter, the Princess Royal said: "As patron of the Force Atlantic 2024 team, I am pleased to support the team's endeavour and campaign.

"I am most impressed at the commitment you are showing to highlight the key role service women play in our Armed Forces."

Likewise, Portsmouth-based HMS Oardacious Valkyries, which includes Petty Officer Aaby Aldridge, Lieutenant Commander Ali Aindow, Lieutenant Commander Izzy Warlinson and Lieutenant Commander Nic Hall, are the Royal Navy's first all-female crew.

Former Portsmouth North MP and honorary Royal Navy Captain, Penny Mordaunt, is a patron for HMS Oardacious Valkyries.

Posting a video message on X, Ms Mordaunt said: "I'm so proud of them.

"I know the training that they have done, they are well prepared, Godspeed to the Valkyries and please support them on this incredible adventure."

You can read and hear from the teams themselves when they spoke to BFBS Forces News in the lead-up to the World's Toughest Row:

• TEAM V3NTURE: Meet the soldiers aiming to be the first military trio to row the Atlantic

• Royal Navy's first all-female crew set for 'phenomenal challenge' of World's Toughest Row

• Oarsome Army Educators prepare to test body and mind in World's Toughest Row

• Force Atlantic: Meet the Army's first all-female team taking on the World's Toughest Row