The race started in Geraldton, Western Australia where rowers will then set out on a route which will take them over 3000 nautical miles across the Indian Ocean to the paradise island of Mauritius.

Teams from all over the World will compete on equal terms in solo, pair and four person teams. To ensure safety solo entrants will compete in Woodvale Solo class boats. To maintain the re-sale value of the Woodvale Pairs class boats - this well proven design will be incorporated to establish the racing pairs class. The Woodvale Fours composite boat will be the chosen design for the larger class of boat.

The start of the race is planned for April 2011 to miss the cyclone season that ends in between February and March. Fours teams should complete the crossing in around 60 days and pairs should be completed in around 80 days.

The weather won't be the same as the constant trade conditions of the mid-Atlantic. Teams will have to row every mile with a lower amount of support from both wind and currents. The temperatures will be high - especially close to Australia but then should cool as the race unfolds.

There is far less shipping in the Indian Ocean than in the Atlantic. There is less polution and the wildlife is simply out of this World! Sharks, whales and dolphins will be common sight. Birdlife is ever present, shoals of fish will follow the boats, and the night time sky will be breathtaking.