PNG sailor on board the world’s toughest row

Dubbed ‘world toughest row’ a two-time PNG Female Athlete of the Year will sail the Atlantic Ocean in the Atlantic Challenge.   

On Wednesday night, Liz Wardley, rowing solo, against 38 boats will set sail from La Gomera in the Canary Islands attempting to cross the ocean to Antigua in the Caribbean.

The race will cover 4,800km and can take up to three months.

Liz’s older sister and chairwoman of Nasfund, Tamzin Wardley said they are terrified but proud of the determination and sheer scale of imagination that Liz has always held.

 “She simply believes in herself, she gets these seemingly crazy ideas and just works hard against the odds to make them happen.

“She started this project with no backing and to be honest not a lot of support from the rest of the family who hoped she might change her mind, but here she is ready to start this mammoth race, with an awesome ground support crew and last minute campaign funding.”

Wardley, born in East New Britain, is known for her sailing achievements, having competed internationally since the age of 16.

Her career began racing Hobie 16s on the world circuit until she developed a love for ocean racing. 

She was the first female and youngest sailor ever to skipper a yacht to victory in one of the classes in the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and has the distinction of being the only woman to participate in three volvo around the world yacht races.

Wardley has crossed the Atlantic solo before but always by sail.

But this new adventure, has seen Wardley training in Europe on her purpose built rowing boat, named Tic Tac.