Royal Navy ocean rowers' boat damaged ahead of gruelling Atlantic challenge

Royal Navy rowing team HMS Oardacious have some extra challenges to overcome after their boat was damaged ahead of the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge.

The team are due to compete in the famous 3,000-mile race, known as the World's Toughest Row, but in addition to having to get their boat repaired, this year's race may begin early.

HMS Oardacious announced on X: "It's been a tough few days. With shipping damage discovered on the boat, the team have had to act swiftly."

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The boat had been damaged while being shipped to the team, however it was transported to Tenerife for repairs and HMS Oardacious have since had their boat returned to them.

The race is 2,600 nautical miles long, the equivalent of 3,000 miles, and goes from San Sebastian de la La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Nelsons Dockyard in Antigua.

It is also possible for the first time in the history of the challenge that the race might start early due to a change in the weather.

"As of this morning [5 December], the launch window is between Sunday and Wednesday of next week [10 to 13 December], meaning that for the first time in history, this race may start early," wrote HMS Oardacious.

In last year's event, HMS Oardacious became the fastest military team to take part in the race, completing the distance in 35 days, 17 hours and 19 minutes.

Rowing alongside them were The Atlantic Guardsmen, who completed the challenge in 39 days, two hours and 59 minutes despite capsizing and losing three oars.

The World's Toughest Row website explained how the race brings together teams from all walks of life united by the same objective - to take on the unique challenge of crossing an ocean in a rowing boat.

It said: "The atmosphere is electric as people help each other prepare for the challenge of the mighty Atlantic Ocean.

"Teams battle with sleep deprivation, salt sores and physical extremes inflicted by the race.

"Rowers are left with their own thoughts, an expanse of the ocean and the job of getting the boat safely to the other side."