Advertisement

The Four Oarsmen break the ‘four-minute mile’ of ocean rowing, while solo paddler has 20 minutes of sleep at a time for 30 days

Record-breaking team row the Atlantic in 29 days and Mark Slats crosses the line only 17 hours behind them in epic solo crossing

Reading Time:2 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
The Four Oarsmen become the first team to row the Atlantic in under 30 days. Photo: Four Oarsmen

The Four Oarsmen became the first team to row across the Atlantic in under 30 days, previously considered the ‘four-minute mile’ of ocean rowing.

Advertisement

The previous record stood at 35 days, but it is now 29 days and 15 hours.

Elation for the Four Oarsmen as they reach Antigua. Photo: The Four Oarsmen
Elation for the Four Oarsmen as they reach Antigua. Photo: The Four Oarsmen

Seventeen hours behind them was flying Dutchman Mark Slats, who broke the solo record by rowing for 20 hours a day, and sleeping for just 20 minutes every two hours.

The rowers were taking part in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge (TWAC), which sees teams leave from La Gomera in the Canary Islands and arrive in Antigua.

Advertisement
Mark Slats, the flying Dutchman, comes fourth overall but beats the solo record. Photo: Atlantic Campaigns
Mark Slats, the flying Dutchman, comes fourth overall but beats the solo record. Photo: Atlantic Campaigns
Advertisement