World record in their sights as rowers start Atlantic challenge

Two Yorkshire rowers have finally set off on a 3,000 mile challenge to cross the Atlantic Ocean after weeks of delays caused by hurricane force winds and dangerous weather.
By The Newsroom
Published 4th Jan 2010, 20:18 BST
Updated 4th Jan 2010, 20:19 BST

Alex Macdonald, 23, and Luke Grose, 24, from Settle, have raised more than 50,000 in sponsorship to buy and equip their handmade 23ft wooden rowing boat, JCT600 Yorkshire Challenger, and have trained for over two years in preparation for the epic Woodvale Atlantic Rowing Race. Originally scheduled to leave the island of La Gomera near Tenerife for the finish line at Antigua on December 6 last year, the fleet of 30 boats finally started the race at 1.30pm yesterday.

Now the pair face 50ft waves, busy shipping lanes and curious whales as well as the mental and physical challenges of rowing for 12 hours each day for over a month.

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Known as the world's toughest rowing race, the Woodvale Atlantic has been completed by fewer people than have climbed Mount Everest, and the rowers aim to break the existing world record for the crossing of 40 days.

The duo have hundreds of followers on their pages on Facebook, and are planning to send images and blogs via their Team JCT600 website from their boat during the crossing.

Supporters can catch up with regular blogs from the rowers, as well as track their position in the race at www.TeamJCT600.com.

Related topics:YorkshireSupporters