By Caribbean News Global 
SPAIN/ANTIGUA-BARBUDA – Fifty-five rowers from across the globe took to the water for the start of the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge 2020 – an epic 3,000-mile rowing challenge across the Atlantic Ocean to Antigua and Barbuda, as reported by Talisker Whisky.
Beginning in the Spanish port of San Sebastian de la Gomera in the Canary Islands and ending in Nelson’s Dockyard in Antigua and Barbuda, the crews will spend between 30 to 90 days at sea where they could face commanding waves, extreme physical challenge and nature in its purest form from spellbinding starry skies to dolphins in their natural habitats, and a whole host of marine wildlife as they row the 3,000 miles to the island of Antigua and Barbuda.
The Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge ‘Team Antigua Pairs’ team of Joseph Nunes and Travis Weste were presented with flights sponsorship by the ministry of tourism and the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA). Nunes and Weste are now the fourth team and first pair to represent Antigua and Barbuda in the event, known as the ‘World’s Toughest Row’. Follow Team Antigua Pairs.
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The Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge is a race with purpose – an inspirational event, which draws out the wild spirit in everyday people to achieve extraordinary things. It is a soul-changing journey and the challenge of a lifetime, allowing rowers to experience the exhilaration of the majestic ocean.
The oldest distillery on the Isle of Skye in Scotland, Talisker Single Malt Scotch Whisky is very much a product of its rugged, coastal home. A whisky full of coastal character, Talisker’s origins come through in its aroma and taste, which connects the drinker with its rugged environment, delivering a powerful peat-smoke, with hints of sea-salt and a citrus sweetness and making it the perfect toast to those heading out to sea today.
Natalia Montigny, head of global marketing for Talisker commented: “Talisker was founded in 1830 by two wild spirits – the MacAskill brothers – who rowed from Eigg to Skye in search of the perfect location for their distillery so we can say that Talisker Whisky is truly Made By The Sea. Every year we are touched by the incredible stories and determination of those taking part in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge. We wish them all the best as they undertake this epic journey and look forward to welcoming them back and raising a toast to their accomplishment.”
Carsten Heron Olsen, chief executive officer of Atlantic Campaigns, said: “It is great to see our teams set off today on the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge. Their determination and enthusiasm has been unwavering. After months of working with partners and the public to raise money for some amazing causes, the 55 rowers today get to take to the water and continue to inspire people across the world as they take on a journey most could not even imagine. “
