ROWING THE ATLANTIC SOLO 2025
LEO IS Rowing OVER 3,300 Miles
AcROSS the Atlantic
In January 2025, Leo will embark on the extraordinary challenge of rowing solo across the Atlantic. Starting from Gran Canaria and finishing in Barbados, this voyage is a true test of both physical strength and mental resilience. Leo will navigate through the vast, open waters, battling against unpredictable weather and towering waves, all while facing the daunting solitude of the ocean.
The immense task of maintaining physical endurance and mental focus amidst the breath-taking yet relentless expanse of the Atlantic will push Leo to his limits.
LEO WILL FACE UP TO 40 FOOT WAVES,
35 KNOT WINDS AND UP TO 40 DEGREE HEAT ROWING THE ATLANTIC
Reaching Barbados won't just signify the end of a geographical voyage; it will mark the completion of an incredible personal achievement, showcasing human determination and spirit at its finest. This remarkable journey also serves as a platform for Leo's commitment to fundraise and support Ukrainian medical professionals, providing them with essential medical equipment and supplies, further underlining the profound impact of this Atlantic row.
ATLANTIC ROW FACTS
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Leo will row in excess of 1.5 million oar strokes over the period of his solo Atlantic row.
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Solo ocean rowers have the option to do a shift pattern (2 hours on 2 hours off) per 24 hours or they can do longer stretches of rowing anywhere up to 18 hours a day!
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Leo will experience waves that can measure up to 40ft high. At its deepest, the Atlantic Ocean is 8.5km/5.28 miles deep.
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Ocean rowers can expect to see lots of wildlife, such as Minke and Pilot whales, Dolphins, Turtles, Flying fish and of course the Blue Marlin, whose bills have previously pierced through hulls of ocean rowing boats.
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Leo will have a satellite phone which enables him to contact his land support and VHF to contact passing boats in the event of an emergency.
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Leo should aim to consume 10 litres of water per day. He will need to filter water from the ocean by using a desalinator.
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There is no toilet on board – ocean rowers use a bucket! A solo ocean rower can expect o use 800 sheets of toilet paper during a crossing.
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A rower can burn in excess of 5,000 calories per day. Leo will be eating highly calorific dehydrated meals (think astronaut food). which must be re-hydrated with boiling water. Ocean rowers can lose an average of 12KG of weight during a crossing.
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All rubbish must be stowed on board and taken to the finish destination. Polluting the ocean is not acceptable in the ocean rowing community.
MY boat
‘HAPPY SOCKS’
Meet HAPPY SOCKS
ThIS ocean rowing boat will be MY
6 METRE home for 60 PLUS days
My boat Happy Socks ready for our Atlantic crossing in January 2025
1) John Beeden and Happy Socks in 2011
My boat is called ‘Happy Socks’ and it has quite a history. It was initially built in 2011 for John Beeden who was the first man to row more than 7,000 miles from North America to Australia, which took him 209 days!
2) SARAH OUTEN and Happy Socks in 2013
It was then rowed successfully by Sarah Outen from Japan to the Aleutian Islands as part of her round-the-world cycling/kayaking/rowing 4-year long journey. Unfortunately, during her final transatlantic leg she had to abandon it 400 miles off the Portuguese coast due to a severe hurricane while being rescued by a passing cargo ship. Miraculously, it was recovered by the Irish RLNI just off the Cork coastline 93 days later.
3) Lia Ditton and Happy Socks in 2020
It was then acquired by Lia Ditton, my project manager and mentor who did a lot of work on it, refitting and rebuilding the cabins and deck, and replacing wood with carbon fibre, which made the boat much lighter. She then rowed from San Francisco to Hawaii beating the World Record, having done a few practice rows from Oregon to California, and around the California coastline all amounting to 6,000 miles in total.
4) Emma Wolstenholme and Happy Socks in 2021
It was then sold to Emma Wolstenholme, who attempted a transatlantic crossing in it, but had to be rescued by a passing ship.
5) LEO Krivskiy AND HAPPY SOCKS 2025
I have become the Happy Socks’ proud fifth owner and am determined to increase the number of its successful transatlantic crossings! I am excited and honoured to be a part of the boat's history. It has survived a lot of battles, including hurricanes and being adrift for 93 days in the open seas and never failed its previous owners, always reaching a shore one way or another.
