Boats of all shapes and sizes come and go in the peaceful waterfront lagoon of Port St Charles, one of the most visionary real estate communities of its type in the world. But none capture the imagination of the Bajan public as much as the transatlantic rowers, a unique group of highly-focused athletes who test their endurance and ability to the ultimate in a formidable challenge to row from one continent to another, a distance of around 3,000 miles.

In previous years boats have arrived over a period of months, but each has its own story to tell and each is as enthusiastically received as the amazing record-breaking New Zealanders Phil Stubbs and Rob Hamill were welcomed in 1998 when they took only 42 days to make the journey in their small "Kiwi Challenge" craft. It was a remarkable achievement and one of many stories that have made the Atlantic Rowing Challenge an integral part of the Port St Charles development. Tales of endurance, heroism and courage abound, not least that of Debra Veal who last year completed the trip in 111 days after her husband Andrew had to leave her on her own just a week into the journey. Others like Deloitte and Touche workmates Simon Walpole and Istvan Hajdu took less time (58 days 9 hours ~o minutes to be precise) and were overwhelmed by the reception they received as the welcoming party of support boats travelled out to the northern tip of the island to greet them.

Some crews row 24 hours a day, some row in shifts and some row as if it is a good day's work and ensure they get at least seven hours sleep. But there is no hiding the tremendous endurance involved and the importance of fitness, diet, mental strength and safety in this supreme test of endurance.

The organisers claim you do not need to be an experienced rower to row the Atlantic and that theory will be put to the test in the 2004 Atlantic Rowing Race that will mark the Ocean Rowing Society's 'coming of age', their 21st anniversary of ocean rowing administration and organisation. For the first time there will be a Bajan team participating thanks to Port St Charles, who are one of the major sponsors of the team as well as an integral part in the success of this event. The Bajan boat will be manned by two unlikely rowing candidates in Nils Mannerstadt and Phil Als, who make up for a lack of rowing pedigree with a great sense of adventure and their love for a challenge. Nils is a well-known chef on the island and amongst Phil's many sporting attributes are shooting and wind-surfing. Sounds like an interesting combination!

The Ocean Rowing Society 2004 Atlantic Rowing race will be open to double and solo crews for the first time and is scheduled to leave San Sebastian in the Canary Islands on 20 January. The first solo finisher will receive the John Fairfax Trophy, an award that will commemorate the 35th anniversary of John Fairfax's first transatlantic solo row in 1969.

This historic event promises to be bigger and better and for would-be participants the organisers have comprehensive details on their website www.oceanrowing.com or from www.portstcharles.com.

Watch that Bajan crew go!