A TEAM of hardy rowers have completed their epic 3,000 mile journey across the Atlantic Ocean in less than 40 days.
Row4Victory, made up of four Yorkshiremen, finished in fifth place after completing the monumental Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge.
In an eight-metre boat, they have relentlessly rowed around the clock every day since they set sail with 27 teams from around the world on December 12 from La Gomera in the Canary Islands.
Rowing to raise money for military charities Soldier On! and the Royal British Legion, Row4Victory reached the finish line – Nelson’s Dockyard in Antigua - at 3.32am which was 11.32pm local time.
The team, which finished nthe race in 39 days, 16 hours and 42 minutes, is made up of Duncan Roy, former Royal Engineer from Ingleby Arncliffe; Fraser Mowlem, serving Chief Technician in the Royal Air Force from Linton-On-Ouse; Glyn Sadler, former Royal Marine from Borrowby and Will Quarmby, a landscape gardener from Ripon.
After crossing the finishing line, Mr Quarmby said: “Well, we’ve only gone and done it. Three thousand miles of open ocean crossed with nothing but oars and Yorkshire grit.
"To see land then lights, then boats, then people really built our excitement, adrenaline and the feeling of achievement. The crowning glory was to see the faces of the family, friends and sponsors that were able to make it to the finish line. Faces and voices we are used to seeing and hearing in Yorkshire made it truly feel like coming home.”
Row4Victory celebrated Christmas on the high seas
And Sir Gary Verity DL, Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: “We’re incredibly proud of Fraser, Will, Duncan and Glyn. It’s a huge achievement making such a gruelling journey and to come in in fifth place is a great result for them.
“They’ve shown real Yorkshire grit and courage throughout the challenge and also raised tens of thousands of pounds for two incredibly deserving charities.”
Helen Mason, Community Fundraising Manager for the Royal British Legion, said: “This has been an incredible challenge for these four guys who sacrificed Christmas at home with their families to row across the Atlantic and raise money for our armed forces community. We’ve been following their progress and it seems such a long time since we waved them off at Leeds-Bradford Airport, they should be justifiably proud of their achievement.”
While founding Trustee of Soldier On, Nicholas Harrison added: "In 10 years of us helping people to 'soldier on', we have never before received such committed support as we have done from Duncan, Fraser, Glyn and Will of team Row4Victory. Working with these four is an honour and a pleasure and our gratitude will endure forever.
“The money they raise will be spent on helping disadvantaged, vulnerable or socially isolated people to take the first steps towards independent, meaningful and happier futures. Much of this has only been made possible through 3,000 miles of rowing, blisters, injuries, attacks by flying fish, near drownings at the hands of an overly amorous jelly fish, and a near miss with a tanker. What else can we say but thank you team Row4Victory."
People can still support Row4Victory by sponsoring or donating via www.row4victory.com/donate or by texting 70070 with the code ROWV59 followed by £1, £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10.
For more information about the race visit taliskerwhiskyatlanticchallenge.com
For more information about Row4Victory, visit row4victory.com
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