GB Row is the ultimate rowing challenge. Complex tides and very changeable British weather mean good navigation skills are required, as well as the tactical ability to make the most of weather and sea conditions, which can be as important as a team’s strength, stamina and endurance.
"Having rowed the Mid-Atlantic in 2014 in 39 days and Rowed Around Great Britain in 2017 in 37 days, I am in the unique position of being able to compare the two events. The Mid Atlantic route has the isolation factor of being miles from anywhere and course-plotting is straight forward, the Row Around Great Britain Challenge takes this to the next stage due to need to factor in ever-changing tidal flows, the challenge of navigating busy shipping lanes and the effect the coastline has on the weather conditions. The isolation factor is heightened by being able to see land but never touch it.
So, if you’re looking for a challenge that will test you physically and mentally then the Row Around Great Britain challenge is the one for you. "
- Jeremy Webb
The race is organised by rowers who have been there themselves, meaning GB Row’s priority is to ensure teams have an enjoyable and safe race round the spectacular British coastline.
GB Row founders Will de Laszlo and Jim Bastin’s vision for the race was to not only host the toughest rowing challenge in the world, that is open to private boats and entries, but to also add a powerful sustainable purpose to the event, to leave a legacy in the sport of ocean rowing for our environment and the next generation.
GB Row Challenge is entering its next exciting phase as the prestigious Annual Around Great Britain Rowing Race, with nearly 20 years’ rich heritage and a history of new Guinness World Records. In June 2022, while the three competing GB Row Challenge crews battle their way, unsupported, around the gruelling 3,500km course to circumnavigate the British Isles, they will undertake the largest-ever collection of marine biology data of its kind in the UK.
GB Row Challenge is working exclusively for a minimum of four years with the University of Portsmouth and this collaboration is being led by Dr Fay Couceiro. The aim is to not only highlight the environmental impact of humans on our planet, but also - by creating awareness - to change human behaviour.
Working alongside our race outreach charity partner Active Row, many schools, teams and businesses will be participating in a virtual indoor rowing challenge that follows the actual GB Row Challenge crews on an interactive Race Tracker website, helping to foster an enjoyment for rowing while learning about the important work of the University of Portsmouth and their data analysis.
The first GB Row Challenge took place in 2005 when the four man team headed by William de Laszlo set a new World Record of 26 days 21 hours and 14 minutes for unaided rowing around Britain.
William de Laszlo
Event Owner of GB Row Challenge Ltd
Inaugural Guinness World Record Holder for GB Row and overall control of proceedings.
Jim Bastin
GB Row World Record Holder (2005)
Expert advice on crew preparations and challenges during the race itself.
Since 2005 GB Row events (run by Will and Jim) have taken place in 2010 and 2013.
Every event has seen Guinness World Records set or broken.
Entries are now open for GB Row 2021. Could you be a world record breaker?
RECORDS TO CHALLENGE
THE ISLANDERS, a 4 man crew, achieved the GUINNESS WORLD RECORD in June 2013 for “The Fastest Row around the British Mainland (men’s four)” in 26 days.
SAVOIR FAIRE, a 2 man crew from Salcombe Devon, achieved the GUINNESS WORLD RECORD in July 2013 for “The fastest Row around the British Mainland (men’s pair)” in 41 days.
THE SEAGALS, a ladies 4 crew, achieved the GUINNESS WORLD RECORD in Aug 2010 for “The fastest Row around the British Mainland (ladies four)” in 51 days
To qualify for the Guinness World Record, all rows must start and finish at Tower Bridge, London.
