Veterans break world record to row Atlantic
A team of veteran rowers skippered by Hitachi Capital (UK) PLC Chairman Guy Munnoch have set a world record, after rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean in 49 days.
With a combined age of 257 years and 10 days, The Ancient Mariners crew of four – Guy Munnoch, 67, from Lovedean, Mike Winn, 64, from Frome, Steve Hughes, 61, from Helensburgh, and John Moorhouse, 63, from Lymm– set off from La Gomera in the Canary Islands on 12 December and completed their 3,000 mile Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge arriving in English Harbour, Antigua on Thursday (30 January).
Previously, the Guinness World Record for the oldest crew of four rowing the Atlantic Ocean was a team with a combined age of 223 years and 211 days, who completed the race in 52 days.
Rowing a two hours on, two hours off shift pattern for 24 hours a day, the Ancient Mariners overcame seasickness in massive waves, storms, salt sores, blisters, dehydration, sleep deprivation and exhaustion to reach Antigua after 49 days, 8 hours and 40 minutes at sea In their 8.7 metre Hitachi Capital (UK) PLC sponsored Grey Escape vessel.
To complete the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, the Ancient Mariners undertook around 1.5 million combined oar strokes consuming only de-hydrated food whilst making their own drinking water on-board during their endeavour.
The record breaking adventure has raised over £20,000 for two charities – Blind Veterans in the UK and Open Arms Orphanage in Malawi, with £5,000 donated by Hitachi Capital (UK) PLC.
Guy Munnoch, chairman of Hitachi Capital (UK) PLC, said: “It has been an unbelievably demanding, life changing experience for all of us, requiring immense mental and physical endurance.
“Faced with daily daunting challenges, the brilliant teamwork and camaraderie amongst all the crew has pulled us through tough moments. We also drew enormous strength from witnessing nature at its rawest and most remote with some amazing marine life sightings, Atlantic sunsets and sunrises and the spectacular night skies.”
“It’s a tremendous feeling to reach the finish in less than 50 days and I’m incredibly proud that we’ve achieved a new Guinness World Record as the oldest team of four to row across an ocean, whilst also making a difference and supporting the fantastic work of the Blind Veterans and Open Arms – two charities very close to our hearts.”