Heroic pals complete 'toughest race on earth' by rowing 3000 miles

08 February 2023 , 12:45

1163     0

A rowing duo from Jersey have completed an epic 3,000 mile challenge

A heroic rowing duo have completed an epic 3000-mile challenge that has been dubbed "the toughest rowing race on earth."

Friends Steve Hayes and Peter Wright survived extreme weather and navigation issues, taking 54 days, 16 hours and 45 minutes to complete the daunting Atlantic Challenge.

The pair started their journey from La Gomera in the Canary Islands on December 12 and arrived just before midnight local time on the Caribbean island of Antigua on February 4.

And they have currently raised over £6,000 for Jersey charities Macmillan Jersey and Durrell Conservation Trust for their endeavours.

Steve, a hotel manager, and Peter, a finance worker, both spent the entire duration of the 'The Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge' on board their boat called 'DragonFish'.

Former GB rower died after being thrown from spooked horse, inquest heard

The Jersey duo are known adventurers and have other endurance accomplishments including marathons, triathlons and channel swims.

But Steve said nothing compared to the Atlantic Challenge that was a 'different magnitude entirely' due to the unpredictable nature of the ocean.

The men spent Christmas and New Year eating and sleeping on their 23-foot boat, which they are now looking to sell to raise extra funds for their chosen charities.

Hayes and Wright spent Christmas and New Year on the 23-foot boat

And Peter explained how the duo were fuelled by adrenaline amid a multitude of difficulties faced during the 54 days.

"I mean the sleep deprivation was one of the toughest things actually, you do 12 or 13 hours of rowing a day," he said. "Generally horrific, but equally extremely exciting and exhilarating, it was just everything."

The challenge demanded constant mental resilience as the duo overcame mechanic problems and negotiated dangerous seas amid treacherous weather conditions.

The duo celebrated in style after arriving in Antigua

Peter added: "We had issues with the water maker, a lot of issues... it struggled in rough seas, then we also had issues with our GPS that kept losing satellite signals, our steering system as well needed constant checking with some of the equipment."

The duo were greeted by many of their family and friends and enjoyed wild celebrations when they did finally arrive in Antigua, while many back home in Jersey watched events on a live stream broadcast.

Ben Parsons