JERSEY duo Steve Hayes and Peter Wright have successfully completed a 3,000-mile ocean race described as ‘the world’s toughest row’.
At 3.57am Jersey time today, [sun] the pair crossed the finish line in Antigua having completed the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge in 54 days 16 hours and 45 minutes.
The duo on board their boat DragonFish, who started the race from the Canary Islands on 12 December, withstood a series of challenges during almost eight weeks at sea.
Extreme weather and problems with their navigation equipment, steering system and water maker kept both men fully occupied, but they were able to come through and finish at the Antiguan port of English Harbour three minutes before midnight (local time).
Mr Hayes, general manager at the Somerville Hotel and Mr Wright, finance director at Prosperity 24/7, have been raising money for the the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and cancer charity Macmillan Jersey.
The duo were met by family members including Mr Hayes’ wife Corina and the couple’s two-year-old daughter Sofia, along with Mr Wright’s father Jack, while they were also cheered on from afar by a large Jersey contingent tuned in to a live-stream broadcast.
Those watching from Jersey included Mr Wright’s wife Rachel and children Josh and Leila, and Mr Hayes’ older children Evan and Isla.
Full coverage in Monday’s JEP.
