Testing Expertise Behind a Winning Atlantic Crossing

Consumer CompactConsumer Goods and RetailMarch 26, 2026

On December 14, 2025, a rowing team from Zug, Switzerland, set off from San Sebastián on the island of La Gomera as part of the World’s Toughest Row – Atlantic. Ahead of them was 4,800 km of ocean, a challenge that would test the team and its equipment to the maximum. As the principal sponsor of 44west, we went far beyond traditional support, providing targeted testing services that directly contributed to their winning performance.

The challenge

When 44west reached the finish line in Nelson’s Dockyard on Antigua, they had been rowing for 31 days, 8 hours and 8 minutes. Over that time, they completed more than 1.5 million strokes, burned upwards of 5,000 calories per day, faced waves rising over six meters and endured temperatures ranging from 10 degrees at night to over 30 with intense humidity during the day. This is a race that demands total commitment: teamwork, trust and performance are essential, and both people and equipment must demonstrate absolute resilience.

To succeed, 44west needed complete confidence in their boat, materials and preparation. Every element had to withstand constant stress, salt exposure, humidity and repeated impacts. Working closely with the team, we delivered a broad package of testing services to help ensure the reliability, strength and safety of the systems they relied on throughout the crossing.

More than just a sponsor

On September 3, 2025, we were proud to be announced as the main sponsor for 44west. The partnership reflected a shared commitment to trust, teamwork, performance and sustainability.

Géraldine Picaud, CEO of SGS, captured this perfectly: “At SGS, we believe real progress comes from those who dare to push boundaries. Whether in science, sustainability or human excellence, we are inspired by those who go further. Supporting 44west is not just about breaking records. It is about championing bold ideas, protecting the environment, inspiring performance, great teamwork and local talent. We are proud to stand behind a team whose ambition and values mirror our own.”

This is where our capabilities as the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company played a decisive role.

Putting expertise into action

Drawing on our global network of state-of-the-art testing facilities, we provided focused, practical support to help 44west prepare for the World’s Toughest Row – Atlantic. Every element of the team’s equipment was evaluated, from the navigation systems guiding them to Antigua to the clothing protecting them from sun, saltwater and friction.

Race clothing was tested for material performance and ultraviolet (UV) resistance to confirm it could withstand continuous exposure to sunlight, salt spray and repeated movement
Food packaging was assessed to ensure the contents remained protected from contamination and degradation throughout the crossing
Food contents were tested to ensure they would sustain the rowers without introducing foodborne risks
Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems were evaluated for durability and their ability to deliver reliable power despite harsh weather, temperature fluctuations and prolonged UV exposure
Communication and navigation devices were tested to confirm resistance to humidity, rapid temperature changes and salt-water corrosion
The jackstay system, essential for securing people and equipment on deck in rough seas, was examined to ensure it was strong enough for the most demanding conditions

With one team, one goal, one unmovable deadline and multiple elements, 44west provided the ideal opportunity to demonstrate the strength of our global expertise and advanced laboratory capabilities. Working alongside the team, we ensured they could approach the start line with complete confidence, knowing that every critical component had been rigorously tested, validated and prepared for the challenges ahead.

‘Row for biodiversity’

Racing under the banner, ‘We row for biodiversity’, 44west set out to do more than complete a crossing – they wanted their race to create meaningful environmental impact. They partnered with rrreefs, an organization dedicated to restoring healthy coral ecosystems. Rrreefs aims to regenerate 1% of coastal coral reefs by 2034, helping rebuild marine biodiversity and support healthier oceans for future generations.

As part of this collaboration, 44west raised CHF 42,832 during the race. In 2026, these funds will support the construction of a dedicated 44west reef in the Philippines, using rrreef’s innovative 3D-printed reef structures to encourage the recovery of marine life.

At the same time, we aligned our own work with the team’s sustainability mission. While supporting 44west in La Gomera, we carried out microplastic testing in the surrounding coastal waters and conducted environmental DNA (eDNA) assessments in the forests of Garajonay National Park. Both activities reflect our commitment to Nature – a key pillar of our IMPACT NOW for sustainability initiative, which focuses on turning innovation into practical environmental action.

In line with the team’s environmental objectives, the race clothing worn by 44west was also tested for microfiber release. The 100% polyester fabric needed to perform reliably during the crossing while minimizing fiber fragmentation during post-race laundering, helping reduce potential microplastic pollution.

Four men with a mission

Luca Fayd’herbe de Maudave, Matthias Fernandez, Lorenzo Henseler and Julian Müller set out with a mission to test their limits and use their Atlantic crossing to champion the cause of biodiversity. Their commitment to performance, teamwork and sustainability reflects the same principles that guide our work every day.

As the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, we have the global network and full range of capabilities needed to support a challenge that encompasses everything from electrical and electronics testing to environmental impact assessments. The mindset that drove 44west across the Atlantic mirrors our own: pushing further, acting responsibly and applying expertise to make a meaningful difference.

Together, 44west and SGS showed what can be achieved when ambition, values and purpose align.

Learn more about 44west and SGS