Australian adventurer Don McIntyre has announced a new Atlantic rowing race designed to strip the sport back to its origins.
The “Real Ocean Row” will span 3,200 miles from Lanzarote to Antigua in 2028, with all modern technology banned. McIntyre, who will be 73 at the time, is inviting sailors and endurance athletes to take part. Participants will rely solely on traditional navigation tools. GPS, satellite communications, autopilots and electric watermakers are not permitted. Instead, rowers will use sextants, paper charts, compasses and radio, recreating the conditions of early ocean crossings.
The event is inspired by the 1966 voyage of Sir Chay Blyth and Captain John Ridgway, who rowed across the North Atlantic in a modified 20ft fishing dory. They completed the 3,000-mile journey in 92 days using minimal equipment.
Modern ocean rowing has grown into a high-profile endurance sport, with dozens of crossings each year supported by advanced systems. These often include GPS navigation, weather routing and solar-powered equipment to reduce physical strain and improve speed.
The Ocean Rowing Society International states: “Any use… of equipment to deliberately reduce human-powered effort… will result in being ineligible for a human-powered crossing.”
The rule highlights ongoing debate over how technology has reshaped the sport.
McIntyre said the concept has been in development for decades after discussions with Ocean Rowing Society founder Kenneth Crutchlow in 1996. He now plans to complete the crossing himself, following the route and spirit of the 1966 pioneers.
The 2028 race is expected to test endurance, navigation skills and mental resilience without modern support.
