Alex Candlin
17th January 2024 at 1:47pm
A Royal Navy team of submariners have crossed the finish line in first place in the World’s Toughest Row after sailing across 3,000 miles of the Atlantic Ocean in 35 days, four hours and 30 minutes.
HMS Oardacious arrived in Antigua with a significant lead over the remaining 36-boat fleet – and their time also makes them the fastest Oardacious crew to complete the row as well as the fastest military team.
Commander Matthew Main, Commander Daniel Seager, Commander Michael Forrester, Petty Officer Ian Allan and Lieutenant Rob Clarke also became the first team to travel 100 nautical miles in 24 hours during the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, better known as the World’s Toughest Row.
“Sometimes it seemed like it would never end,” said Cdr Main.
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This year was the third time an HMS Oardacious team had taken part in the competition.
Beginning their journey on 13 December, the team set off from San Sebastian de la Gomera in the Canary Islands in their boat Captain Jim, named in memory of a former colleague.
They were unable to beat the world record, but did become the fastest military crew to complete the race and also became the first five-man team to lift the title as the race is typically won by teams of four due to the weight advantage.
Their efforts this year have become a major fundraising initiative for the submarine community.
The team have raised £15,000 since leaving the Canaries, and around £70,000 for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity.
Cdr Main said: “It was pretty challenging. It’s a really long way. I don’t recommend rowing it – fly it!”
He added: “It was amazing. We had a real mixture. We had some really challenging conditions.
“We thought going in challenging weather would make it good for us.
“But overall, it’s been a brilliant experience. It’s demanded a lot of love – and tolerance at times – but these four men are amazing. We made a real bond.
“We had some beautiful times rowing in the moonlight. Racing through the night on big waves. Brilliant fun.”
