This crossing and the following two (by Derek King and Peter Bird in 1974, and Curtis and Kathleen Saville in 1981) are commonly termed "Historic Oceanrows" as they were all made without the assistance provided by modern technological equipment such as EPIRBs, Satellite Phones, Global Positional Systems, liferafts or even watermakers that are essential pieces of kit in today's ocean rowing boats. All subsequent rows are therefore termed "Modern Day Oceanrows."

In taking part in ocean rowing races, the competitors subject themselves to long periods of isolation with support yachts often a number of days away; sleep deprivation with rest phases lasting regularly less than one or two hours at a time for the duration of the voyage; backache and muscle fatigue; blistering of the palms of the hands and burns/sores on their backsides; risk of sunburn, sunstroke and seasickness; and, severe weight loss to name but a few of the many challenges facing them right the way across.

Not only is the sport of ocean rowing incredibly demanding physically, it also provides a massive test of mental strength and character which will test their 14 year friendship to the limit.

The popularity of the race is undoubtedly growing and always attracts a global audience. However, to put it into perspective, more people have climbed Mount Everest or been into space than have rowed across an ocean, so it is still a comparatively new challenge.