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Jersey mums break world record with Atlantic row

World's Toughest Row Group of Jersey women breaking world record rowing competitionWorld's Toughest Row
The women rowed into Nelson's Dockyard in Antigua at 21:15 GMT after 58 days, 12 hours and 30 minutes at sea

A group of Jersey mums have become the oldest female crew to row any ocean by rowing the Atlantic.

Alison Smithurst, 59, Rosemary Satchwell, 55, Julie Brady, 60 and Helene Monpetit, 56, broke the world record on Friday night.

They rowed into Nelson's Dockyard in Antigua at 21:15 GMT after 58 days, 12 hours and 30 minutes at sea.

The Intrepid 232 crew completed the 3,000 mile (4,500 km) row, known as the World's Toughest Row.

World's Toughest Row Four women on-board a rowing boat with flaresWorld's Toughest Row
The Intrepid 232 crew completed the 3,000 mile (4,500 km) row, known as the World's Toughest Row

The women began their journey on 13 December 2023, spending two hours rowing then two hours rest - alongside trying to eat, sleep and maintain the boat.

The team rowed a Rannoch RX45 four-person ocean rowing boat that was completely self-sufficient.

The women said they had spent the last week within 100 mile (160.9 km) of the finish line, but winds and tides had prevented them.

They broke the Ocean Rowing Stats world record by being the oldest female fours crew to ever cross the Atlantic Ocean.

The previous world record holders were collectively 43 years younger.

The team has raised more than £12,000 for the Grace Crocker Family Support Foundation.

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