A West Cumbrian man and his friend have completed the world’s toughest rowing race in just 70 days.
David Ferrier, of Westnewton, near Maryport, and Garry Hoyle, of the North East, crossed the Atlantic from the Canary Islands to Antigua, raising funds for the Great North Air Ambulance.
The unsupported race saw them rowing 24 hours a day – two hours on and two hours off – battling 30ft waves and around 45 other teams to reach the finish line.
They set off on December 12 and the pair called themselves Seas the Moments.
They arrived in Antigua on February 22 at 1.13am local time, having completed the challenge in 70 days, 20 hours and 18 minutes. They were 38th overall.
David, 61, who is retired, said he loved a challenge and had taken part in several over the years and as a sailor, the race had appealed to him.
The project has cost around £150,000 so far – including a specially made boat called Molly Moo for the pair to cross the Atlantic in.
David said: “I saw the race advertised and thought I’d like to enter it solo for my 60th birthday. It never quite happened but Gary is 60 this year so we thought we’d do it.”
Garry said: “It was tough! I must admit the weather surprised me. We studied the race before we decided to take part, trained heavy and we trained well and we assumed that we would be here in about 50 days…and now after 70 days, it is a lot harder than I anticipated!”
David added: The first 10 days at sea was absolutely amazing. It was tough and rough, but that’s what ocean rowing is about. The whole deal was absolutely amazing.”
To train for the race, they undertook a mixture of indoor rowing and training as well as on Coniston.
They have so far raised almost £10,000 for the Great North Air Ambulance. To donate, click here.
