Four men, a rowing boat – and 5.000 kilometers across the Atlantic

While DanFish International 2025 buzzes with new technology and the latest solutions for the blue industry, visitors in Hall E can encounter a vessel and a team that truly stand out.

Here, three men – Simon Svendsen, Kenni Hansen, and Zax Thiyakarajah from the Danish team Row for Change – are showcasing their custom-built carbon-fiber rowing boat. This is the same boat that, together with the team’s fourth member, Kasper Holmenlund Nymand, they will set afloat on December 12 to row 5,000 kilometers across the Atlantic in the world’s toughest ocean race.

A boat built for the extreme
The boat, which visitors can experience up close during the exhibition, is designed to withstand waves up to 15 meters, shifting winds, and the challenges of the open sea. Measuring 9.6 meters long and 1.75 meters wide, it is equipped with solar-powered electricity, satellite communication, a water purification system, and advanced safety features – serving as a living example of innovation, endurance, and teamwork.

“People at the exhibition have been very interested in how we’ve arranged the equipment on the boat and how we’ll operate out there – and, of course, they’ve been curious about how fast we expect to complete the race. We’re hoping the journey will take only 35 days”, says Zax Thiyakarajah.

Simon is the only one of the four who has previously rowed across the Atlantic. That journey took 37 days, but this December they aim to set a new Danish record in this challenging race.

An adventure with a greater purpose
For the four men, it’s not just about the adventure. Row for Change is a charitable initiative with a clear mission: to raise 1 million DKK for the Danish Mental Health Foundation’s work for young people.

At their stand at DanFish 2025, the team has shared both their mission and preparations, receiving great support from curious visitors who stopped by during the fair.

“It’s been a pleasure to be at DanFish. We’ve raised awareness in a maritime environment we normally wouldn’t reach. There’s been plenty of visitors around the stand, and people have been genuinely curious about the project. We’ve also received some good donations over the two days – all in all, a really positive experience”, says Zax Thiyakarajah.

The team has also taken the stage in Hall F, where Simon shared insights from his previous Atlantic crossing and gave the audience a unique look into life at sea – before, during, and after the immense challenge.

“Only a fool fears no ocean”
Preparations for the journey have been underway for over two and a half years, with the team training intensively – physically, mentally, and technically – to be ready for the Atlantic challenge.

The four men are especially looking forward to camaraderie and experiencing life at sea. Sharing that experience with each other is something truly special. At the same time, they have immense respect for the challenges ahead. As they say: “Only a fool fears no ocean”.

There will undoubtedly be intense moments, but that’s precisely when the team is strongest. They’ve practiced their procedures repeatedly, so they know exactly how to react when challenges arise. Seasickness is approached calmly: medication is packed, and the rest depends on willpower.

“We do have seasickness medication, but otherwise, you just have to tough it out – we have a goal to reach”, concludes Zax Thiyakarajah.