All race entrants are required to use exactly the same boat design to ensure fairness. The boat type was designed by Phil Morrison and 'Spud' Rowsell for the 1997 race and the basic construction has not changed since.

Intended to be self righting with the correct ballast on board, the boats are built for the task and manage the crossing by bobbing across the water 'like a cork'. While not the most comfortable travel for the rowers, the ocean going integrity of these boats has been proven time and time again.

The boat chosen for the Atlantic Rowing Challenge comes from a limited number of second generation vessels. Boasting a composite, moulded hull instead of the normal marine ply, this boat is lighter, stronger and hopefully faster! The cabins are built from marine ply, but with an extra sleeping position below the waterline in the bow.

The boat was first raced as Queensgate and still holds the current record for a 4 man crossing East to West of 36 days 59.30 minutes. On her second outing as Stella, the Atlantic 4 crew finished the race in 49 days, 14 hours and 21 minutes.

Not being the cheapest boat around, the price tag of £25,000 does include some of the essential kit but is still a huge chunk of the overall budget.

To find out how you can travel across the Ocean onboard with the team, visit our sponsors page.

Message of Support

"The pond is a decievingly large stretch of water to cross and it is no mean feat to achieve that. I am a huge fan of Rachel and Lin's challenge that lies ahead and will be supporting them all the way. Just remember you can do more than you think you can, you just have to dare to dream!"

Dee Caffari - First woman to sail solo non-stop around the world against the prevailing winds and currents