Race Start
December 12, 2027
Rowing The Atlantic 2027/28
Easy isn't always better
Four friends, four landlocked eggs, four absolute rowing newbies, four times actually at home in the mountains and the air. That’s mountain to sea. That’s rowing 4,800 km non-stop. From the Canary Islands to the Caribbean. This is The World’s Thoughest Row, the 2027/28 Atlantic crossing.
From the Mountains to the Sea — via the Air: Why?
We’re driven by challenge. We aim to push our limits — mentally, physically, and emotionally.
Whether we’re crossing oceans, scaling rock faces, or conquering icy peaks, what truly matters is experiencing nature in its most raw and awe-inspiring form — and respecting it every step of the way.
For us, crossing the Atlantic is about more than just a journey. It’s about teamwork, laser focus, and the collective drive to surpass our own expectations — together.
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Challenge
Nothing worth anything is ever easy
Christopher Columbus relied on his sails. Charles Lindbergh trusted his Wright J-5 engine. But for those in the world’s toughest rowing race, the only power they have is their own muscle. The World’s Toughest Row: 4,800 km from San Sebastián de La Gomera on the Canary Islands to Nelson’s Dockyard in Antigua, Caribbean. Each year, brave individuals from across the globe come together, united by a singular goal: to row themselves, their team, and their boat safely across the vast Atlantic.
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Solo, in duos, teams of 4 or 5, the rowers battle the forces of nature, night-time temperatures below freezing, shimmering heat during the day, meter-high waves and gale-force winds. They face physical and mental extremes such as sleep deprivation, a daily consumption of over 5,000 calories, an average of 1.5 million rowing strokes and mental isolation. Always in competition with themselves, the other participants and the world record of 29 days, 14 hours and 34 minutes.
The World’s Thoughest Row demands meticulous, long-term preparation and hard training, putting friendships and endurance to the test. In return, it creates new communities, international cooperation and a unique atmosphere before and during the race.
The race organizers check equipment, are responsible for safety and support the rowers on and off the water. They have high expectations in terms of fitness, financing, medical or basic technical training. Each team raises money for a charitable project of their choice; over 19 million euros have been raised since the race started in 2012.
Sustainability and community form the hull, while fame and glory build the cabins. But it’s cohesion and perseverance that steer the rudder of this life-changing challenge.
SAN SEBASTIÁN DE LA GOMERA
28°N, 17°W
NELSON'S DOCKYARD
ANTIGUA 17°N, 62°W
SAN SEBASTIÁN DE LA GOMERA
28°N, 17°W
NELSON'S DOCKYARD
ANTIGUA 17°N, 62°W
Team mountain2sea
Action is desire unmasked — bold, unstoppable, and real
From mountain via air to water. Mountain to Sea is made up of Cello, Boscho, Stef, and Sändu.
Cello
Marcel Bartholdi
- 1972
- Uetikon am See
Airline pilot / flight- and simulator-instructor
Swiss Special-Forces retired
Marcel Bartholdi
Born in 1972 and raised by Lake Zurich, with family roots in the Bernese Oberland, nature and movement have guided my inner compass from the very beginning. My thirst for adventure began early on. Whether in the forest, in the mountains or in competitive sport. Later during almost three decades militia military-service with the Swiss special-forces, I learned to operate under extreme conditions, take responsibility, make decisions and lead high-performance teams. This privileged experience has had a decisive influence on how I deal with pressure, exceptional situations, boundaries and my understanding of leadership.
Today, I live with my family by Lake Zurich. For me, sport is more than just a way to stay balanced; it’s a way of life. I seek movement in all its forms — whether on two wheels, in running shoes or mountain boots, on skis, soaring with a paraglider, or immersed in water. Over the years, I’ve climbed all 48 four-thousand-metre peaks in Switzerland, many of them several times, descending on foot, skis, or by paraglider.
As an airline pilot, I’ve crossed the Atlantic countless times, always navigating the tension between technology and nature, between sky and earth. In addition, I guide others on their journey into the cockpit as a flight and simulator instructor.
What all these years have taught me: Preparation is everything, but flexibility is key. Nature is stronger than us, yet it shares its power with those who listen and show respect. And above all, nothing succeeds without a team — whether in the air, in the mountains, or on the high seas.
In 2027, I’ll join a four-person team to take on the World’s Toughest Row — 4,800 km across the Atlantic, powered only by physical and mental strength. Why? Because it combines everything that drives me: pushing my mental and physical limits, living team spirit, confronting the elements, and focusing on the essentials. It’s a challenge that requires both respect for nature and a deep sense of self-awareness.
Boscho
Aleksandar Bozovic
- 1977
- Gipf-Oberfrick
COO / Entrepreneur
Swiss Special-Forces
Aleksandar Bozovic
I’m Aleksandar Bozovic, born in 1977 and raised in Chur. As an entrepreneur, manager, and coach, I’m someone who thrives on challenging myself to grow. My next big adventure? Taking part in the World’s Toughest Row — one of the most grueling rowing races in the world, across the Atlantic.
My passion for adventure goes beyond my participation in the World’s Toughest Row. It’s been a driving force in my life since I completed my military service as an active member of the Swiss Special Forces, where I continue to serve today as a winter survival and sniper instructor. Whether parachuting in the military, paragliding, biking, or trekking, I’ve always sought that perfect moment when focus, emotion, and presence align.
I had no prior experience with rowing, which initially made me question my decision to take part in this race — but only at first. For me, this race is more than just a sporting achievement. It represents something greater: the courage to embrace the unknown, the ability to stay calm in extreme situations, and the determination to keep moving forward, even when progress isn’t immediately visible.
As a COO and experienced coach of competitive teams and managers, I have learned that true strength is built on clarity, intrinsic motivation and perseverance. This mindset is what I bring to the table — along with a deep understanding of team dynamics, self-leadership, and resilience.
I’m taking part in this race to push boundaries — physically, mentally, and emotionally. I also want to inspire others to chart their own path and challenge their limits.
Stef
Stephan Siegrist
- 1972
- Ringgenberg
Professional alpinist / keynote speaker
Mountain guide
Stephan Siegrist
Under the spell of the four elements
I was born in 1972 and grew up in Meikirch, in the Central Plateau of the Bernese region, with a view of the Bernese Alps. This unique landscape sparked my fascination with nature, and especially the mountains, from an early age. After completing my training as a carpenter, I chose to pursue a career as a mountain guide. At the same time, I made the leap into professional mountaineering. Since then, I have earned my living as an athlete and by giving corporate and public lectures. Today, I live in with my wife and our two sons near Interlaken in the Bernese Highlands.
The element of earth has strongly influenced my mountaineering career: Authenticity, versatility and a pioneering spirit. Highlights include first ascents on all seven continents, expeditions in northern India, Nepal, North America, South Africa, Patagonia and Antarctica as well as numerous ascents of the great north faces of the Alps – including over 40 successful ascents of the north face of the Eiger. In addition to classic alpine projects, I am also active in bouldering, sport climbing, big wall, ice and mixed climbing.
I was an active base jumper in the element of air for several years and share the passion of walking on a highline: a combination of balance, concentration and a feeling of height.
Self-confidence and energy stand for the element of fire. That’s exactly what I want to experience with my friends in the World’s Toughest Row on the Atlantic and turn the element of water into a personal borderline experience.
I’m truly excited for this new challenge — an adventure on the open seas that could span six to eight weeks. It’s a journey where team spirit, mental resilience, and physical strength will be tested every day.
Sändu
Sandro Alpinice
- 1982
- Bönigen
Airline pilot / helicopter pilot
Mountain guide
Sandro Alpinice
Born in Grindelwald in 1982, I grew up with a deep love for nature. As a child, I spent countless hours outdoors — climbing, mountaineering, and simply marveling at the world around me. The mountains became my playground, my school, and eventually my profession. Childish curiosity transformed into deep gratitude. As a mountain guide, airline and helicopter pilot, I have the privilege of experiencing the majestic Alps from every angle. My work as a bricklayer also gave me a unique understanding of nature and structure. Physical activity in nature has always been my faithful companion and has long been a central part of my philosophy of life.
For me, The World’s Toughest Row is not just a competition; it’s a battle against the elements and our own limits. The challenges it presents require not only endurance but, above all, trust, communication, and responsibility — values that are essential both in preparation and on the Atlantic itself. Participation is a testament to what can be achieved through true cohesion and an unwavering determination to reach a common goal, together.
My experiences in the mountains, aviation, and leadership have shaped who I am today. I’ve learned to take responsibility, recognize mistakes at their core, and work as a team in challenging moments. I bring these philosophies with me onto the rowing boat. The sea is like a vast mountain range of water — always shifting, always demanding, sometimes unforgiving. But in the end, what matters on the sea is the same as in the mountains or the sky: teamwork, focus, and the drive to push beyond our limits, together.
Sponsoring
the magic happens outside your comfort zone
We, four rowing novices, are taking on the tremendous challenge of crossing the vast Atlantic Ocean. Courageously, we are stepping out of our comfort zones and setting our own course. Through this journey, we hope to inspire others to push beyond their own limits.
The waves are high and the storms fierce — to row safely across the Atlantic, we need your support.
Have you caught the spark and want to take hold of the oars alongside us? Join us and help bring your vision 4,800 km from east to west.
We are deeply grateful for any support — whether through our Mountain, Patron, Special, or Partner packages. Each package offers its own benefits, detailed in the overview table.
If you have any questions or need more information, we’re here to help.
Subject to availability, renowned documentary filmmaker Matthias Lüscher (https://matthiasluescher.ch) will produce a film chronicling our adventure. Swiss broadcaster SRF2 has expressed its intention to air the documentary, offering a valuable platform for potential sponsors.
Depending on the sponsorship package, we offer various services
Sponsoring packages
We love the mountains! Our available sponsorship packages bear the names of mountains from our home cantons.
| Eiger | on request |
| Mönch | from CHF 50’000 |
| Jungfrau | from CHF 25’000.- |
| Piz Bernina | from CHF 10’000.- |
| Finsteraarhorn | from CHF 5’000.- |
| Piz Corvatsch | from CHF 2’000.- |
| Piz Kesch | from CHF 1’000.- |
Patron packages
Every 100 francs brings us about one kilometer closer to our goal. With 50 francs covering roughly one rower’s daily food expenses, every contribution—big or small—makes a meaningful difference on our journey. Our patronage packages are thoughtfully named after the mountains and peaks from our home cantons.
| Parpaner-Rothorn | from CHF | 500.- |
| Calanda | from CHF | 250.- |
| Schnebelhorn | from CHF | 100.- |
| Pfannenstiel | up to CHF | 100.- |
Patron specials
With our limited-edition special packages, patrons can secure an exclusive spot at our pre-race event and receive a unique keepsake. These specials are named after terms and numbers that have had a significant impact on our lives:
Our oars carry us 4,800km across the Atlantic. The 4,800km oar special, you can claim ownership of one of these oars.
ef has climbed the north face of the Eiger over 40 times, with Sändu also making multiple ascents. This iconic north face rises approximately 1,800 meters.
Boscho and Cello did decades of militia military service with the Swiss special-forces in the Parachute Reconnaissance Company 17(https://17er.ch). Among other things, they were responsible for survival, sniper, mountain and parachute training. In contrast to Boscho, who is still in active military service, Cello retired from military service a few years ago due to his age – but he still has strong ties to Company 17.
Sändu serves as a military pilot with Squadron 8. Formerly a professional pilot, he now fulfills his duties as a militia pilot. Over the course of his career, he has flown various helicopter models and is responsible for survival and mountain training for aspiring military pilots.
| 4’800 km oar | CHF | 4’800.- |
| North Face Special | CHF | 1’800.- |
| 17 Special | CHF | 1’717.- |
| 8 Special | CHF | 888.- |
Partner
As an equipment or support partner, you provide us with essential materials, training programs, assistance, or expert services.
Exclusive support
Whether for individual sponsorship or additional services, we welcome customized inquiries and ideas.
Bank details
IBAN: CH41 8080 8009 2305 7940 9
TWINT
Swiss Mountain2Sea
SPONSOREN
PARTNER
Our generous patrons
| Stephan Scholl | 2x Essen für 2 Ruderer |
| Daniel Perotti | Geili Sieche, geili Sach |
| Aleardo Ercolani | Strong Strong Strong |
| Marco Sieber | Special 17er Payment |
| Rolf Geser | Genug für 5'000 Kalorien |
| Philipp "Pipo" Ehrensperger | Damit ihr leichter übers Wasser fliegt |
| Gian von Salis | Super Challenge |
| A.K. | Inkognito |
| Alain Escher | Viel Ruderer-Nahrung! |
| Lilian & Jürg Girsberger | Sympathiekilometer |
| Didi Kunz (Multiple-Gönner) | Go Cello |
| Thomas Schumacher | 4x CHF 17.- |
| Gil Dénéréaz | 93er forever !!! |
| Roger Ribary | Für die jung-gebliebenen |
| Beat&Maja Röthlisberger Fluri | Ein inspirierendes Projekt voller Mut, Teamgeist und Leidenschaft - wir unterstützen euch von Herzen! |
| Huggler Consulting GmbH | Häb Sorg und viel Erfolg |
| Jürg Kutter / HNO Zentrum Berner Oberland | Liebe Grüsse und viel Erfolg |
| Marco Moor | Siebenefüfzg!!! |
Our generous special patrons
| 4'800km-Ruder 4'800km-oar Ram de 4'800km | Nordwand-Special North Face Special Spécial paroi nord | 17er-Special 17 Special Spécial 17 | 8er-Special 8 Special Spécial 8 |
| Reserved | 1 | Peti Fischer | Andreas Spitznagel “Als ehemaliger 8er (Flst8) spende ich gerne. Lieber Gruss Spitz” |
| 2 | 2 | Peti Fischer | Hansjörg Müller "So eine coole und mutige Sache unterstützen wir gerne. Liebe Grüsse Kerstin und Hansi" |
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | |
| 8 | 8 | 8 |
Support
no support - no magic
Crossing the Atlantic is new territory for all of us. We have made it our mission to listen very carefully and to get help in areas that we don’t understand ourselves. We consider ourselves privileged to be able to fall back on a large network of supporters. THANK YOU!
Exchange of experience
Sandra Hönig (first Swiss women’s team)
swiss-oceandancers.ch
Carla Lemm (first Swiss women’s team / crossed the Atlantic twice)
swiss-oceandancers.ch atlanticarrow.ch
Mel Eissens (Solo-Crossing)
handsatlantic.com
Team 44-West (participation 2025)
44west.ch
André Bachmann (Ultra-Cyclist)
André: Thanks for the inspiration and all your valuable tips and hints – R.I.P.
Jan Hurni (Atlantic and Pacific winner / world record holder across the Pacific)
swiss-raw.ch
Coaching
Rowing coaching
Seeclubinterlaken.ch
Mental-Coaching / Team-Dynamics
One-Day Coaching (Thomas Theurillat)
Training and nutrition
Dr. Marco Toigo (OYM)
Boat building
Mark Slats (world record holder and multiple Atlantic Crossing winner)
theoceanrowingcompany.com
Graphic / Logo
Severin Gehring
https://severin.ch & https://www.dissenter.ch
Photos / Docu
Matthias Lüscher
https://www.matthiasluescher.ch
IT support
Pascal Müller (Webhost)
https://asinfotrack.ch
Texts / Translations
Texts / Proofreading
Luzia Rageth
English translation
Niki Siegrist
French translation
Micheline Scarpellino Bartholdi
Marketing / Social media
S. T. (Social-Media)
https://grindelwald.swiss/de/
Bruno Sonderegger (Marketing Advisor)
https://www.sonderegger.ch/de
Denise Bartholdi (Marketing / Short-Clip)
https://www.denisebartholdi.ch
Charity
the best is yet to come
We work together with the POLG Foundation and support this valuable charity organization.
PolG disease is a genetic disorder that robs the body’s cells of energy, in turn causing progressive multiple organ dysfunction and failure. One might compare it to having a faulty battery that never fully recharges and is in const state of depletion. The disease is uncommon so no one knows how many patients there are. But PolG research could affect everything from Parkinson’s to cancer.
Links
Walk your talk
What interests us, who supports us and further information.
Media
only those who go their own way leave traces
The Worlds Toughest Row receives intensive media coverage worldwide. The Insight Report 2025 provides a corresponding overview with the history of the race, media coverage and a summary of the 2025 event.
Downloads
Organization
Gallery
work hard - play harder
…what is it all about? Impressions and pictures that we manage on a regular basis.
Contact us
Be comfortable being uncomfortable
Swiss Mountain to Sea Association
Leischenstrasse 44
CH-3806 Bönigen
+41 79 262 47 58
info@mountain2sea.ch
Bank details
IBAN: CH41 8080 8009 2305 7940 9
TWINT
Swiss Mountain2Sea