To ensure the fifteen teams compete on equal terms, a new 29ft ocean rowing boat has been designed specifically for the event by Woodvale Events, the race organisers. Boats will be supplied to each team as a completed hull, constructed using a biax core sandwich system (fibre and resin composite). Each team will then be responsible for equipping their boat with the necessary fixtures and fittings (safety equipment, hatches, etc) and painting it. This is a highly technical boat that has been designed to be fast and competitive, whilst strong enough to withstand the most extreme conditions.

As with the original two-handed boat, much of the design consideration has gone into sea-keeping qualities in bad weather. The aim has been to produce a boat that will be capable of safely sitting out inclement weather, by-and-large self-righting and as comfortable as possible in such circumstances.

The accommodation has been designed to be snug for all four crew members and has been shaped to reduce the parasitic windage to a minimum. The space provided will hopefully prove reasonably comfortable for sheltering one or two crew at a time.