30th January 2019
On 23rd January at approximately 10pm, British rowing foursome, Team Tyne Innovation from the North East of England, successfully finished the 3,000 mile Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge, achieving a new world record as the fastest mixed four. Rowing the Atlantic Ocean from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua, Team Tyne Innovation came 8th in the race with a time of 42 days, 10 hours and 26 minutes; overtaking the previous record by 14 days!
The squad set off in December from the Canary Islands, spending over 6 weeks at sea and let off flares as they finished more than a month later in Caribbean Island of Antigua. Rowing in shifts of two-hours-on, two-hours-off, 24 hours a day, over birthdays, Christmas and New Year, Team Tyne Innovation faced monstrous waves, strong, wind speeds, followed by searing heat and humidity, and even the calm waters at times made for frustratingly slow progress. They even overcame fatigue and sickness caused by dehydrated food sachets to become world record holders as the fastest mixed four to cross the Atlantic.
Through the battle they have faced, they have shown that communication back home was more important than ever for the crew’s wellbeing and happiness. Using the Iridium GO! from Satcom Global, Phil, Allan, Steve and Claire, were able to connect to Wi-Fi through their smartphones and make phone calls and send SMS to loved ones.
The team sent photos and updates back to their shoreside team member James for their Facebook page and Twitter, and were able to speak directly to the race safety team, as well as family and friends frequently. Through the use of maritime satellite communications, even in the middle of the Atlantic, they kept followers up to date with their impressive progress, interesting encounters and memories that will last a lifetime. In one instance with less than 1000 miles left, the team sent across pictures from their New Year’s dip in the sea including photos of a flying fish which hit Phil in the face.
Whilst writing about their morning routine in a blog post shared on Facebook, Phil highlighted the importance of communication back to shore with the race team as well as friends, family and supporters during the trip:
"We catch up on emails and texts from James and family which briefs us on mileages done and where the competition are around us. Such information is really appreciated by the team so thanks everyone who comments on Facebook.”
The team are now wrapping up media activities in Antigua and having a busy time cleaning out the boat ready to be shipped home following their epic journey.
Their incredible challenge has been raising funds to support incredible charities including Daft as a Brush cancer patient care, the Stroke Association and St Oswald’s Hospice. Donate here now: https://www.teamtyneinnovation.com/support-our-bid/donations/
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