Four amateur rowers have won the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge. The Four Oarsmen, four rugby players from the UK, stepped ashore at Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua after taking just 29 days, 14 hours and 34 minutes to complete the 3,000 row from La Gomera in the Canary Islands.

The team of four friends arrive in Antigua. Credit: Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge/Ben Duffy

The Four Oarsmen started in La Gomera on 14 December and following a Herculean row have smashed the previous record for the Atlantic Challenge. Friends Dicky Taylor, George Biggar, Peter Robinson and Stuart Watts crossed the finish line in Antigua just after 2am on Saturday morning.

The team of 6’4” rowers end-to-end are over 2 feet longer than the boat, which ensured the 3,000 miles were undertaken in very cosy conditions. Undertaking two hours on, two hours off shifts all the way from the Canaries, the team experienced painful blistering, extreme fatigue and even hallucinations during the savage race.

According to reports, the Four Oarsmen have raised around £250,000 for their chosen charities.

January 5

The Four Oarsmen

After setting off on 14 December from La Gomera in the Canary Islands, The Four Oarsmen have just over 700 miles to row for the Antigua finish of the 3,000-mile Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge.

The Four Oarsmen are en route to Antigua after setting off from La Gomera on 14 December

The four close friends, who are raising money funds and awareness for Mind and Spinal Research, are estimated to reach the Caribbean island of Antigua on 14 January, after leading the pack right from the start.

The blisters say it all. After weeks at sea, the toll is beginning to show on board with the Four Oarsmen

There are 21 teams left in the Atlantic race, with steeps seas and gales marking much of the first half.

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Under constant pressure from the chasing fleet just a few miles behind, the Four Oarsmen are continuing to battle through blisters, blood, sweat and tears. According to their reports on the Four Oarsmen

The team before undertaking the Atlantic Challenge

The Oarsmen have adopted a pattern of rowing for two hours on and two hours off for the duration of the race.

The epic Atlantic Challenge takes the teams more than 3,000 miles across the ocean and the wining teams are estimated to reach the finish at Nelson’s Dockyard at English Harbour on Antigua on Sunday 14 January.

To donate, visit thefouroarsmen.com/donate