Fitness training
From a year before the challenge, the crew trained every day, often twice a day. During the winter, training was based around strength and endurance, followed by some sprint work in the Spring. They had a competitive summer season on the calm water until August 2005. Before the Atlantic row started in November 2005 they had to put on some weight and do plenty more endurance work.

Nutrition
Comprehensive metabolic testing was done to determine the correct diet for the voyage and a large number of calories were required for each day. Even so, the crew lost a significant amount of weight during the crossing.

Boat skills and equipment training
The race demands that all competitors have passed mandatory courses including sea survival, first aid and a yachtmaster theory course. Whenever possible the crew performed trials with the boat, including at sea.

The crew needed to learn how all the essential equipment and electronic gadgets aboard the boat work. These included a water maker, GPS, short-wave radio. emergency beacons and solar panels, among others.

Physiology
The crew were tested before, during and after the race as part of some scientific research into ultra-endurance sports.

Specialist Support

Nigel Mayglothling
Nigel is an international rowing coach and administrator with over 30 years involvement ranging from rowing internationally himself through to planning and facilitating world records. Nigel has coached Becky and Steph for the last six years.

Sally Wharmby
Sally is a state registered dietician and accredited sport dietician. Sally provided valuable advice to the team for eighteen months. She was closely involved in ensuring optimal nutritional support during preparation for the Challenge and the event itself.

Dr. Ross Sherman
Ross will be leading the scientific research which was carried out before, during and after the race.