Using identical 29ft ocean rowing boats known as the Woodvale Fours class, these four teams will race on equal terms across a 3,100 nm route to Falmouth in the UK.  They will compete for the greatest endurance accolade available today – to be the first to cross the finish line of this most awesome event, in the fastest possible time.

Along the way, the crews will face many obstacles, including huge North Atlantic swell the height of a house, winds reaching storm Force 10 and container ships the size of a block of flats in one of the world’s busiest shipping routes.  Therefore, success in an event of this magnitude requires a combination of skills including teamwork, navigation, weather and routing skills, physical and mental strength and to a certain degree, an element of luck. 

The Shepherd Ocean Fours Rowing Race 2006 truly is the ultimate test of strength and endurance.