30th Jan 2020. Hitachi Capital - Blind Veterans
A team of veteran rowers skippered by Hitachi Capital (UK) PLC Chairman Guy Munnoch have set a world record, after rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean in 49 days.
With a combined age of 257 years and 10 days, The Ancient Mariners crew of four - Guy Munnoch, 67, from Hambledon, Mike Winn, 64, from Frome, Steve Hughes, 61, from Helensburgh, and John Moorhouse, 63, from Warrington– set off from La Gomera in the Canary Islands on 12 December and completed their 3,000 mile Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge arriving in English Harbour, Antigua on Thursday (30 January).
Previously, the Guinness World Record for the oldest crew of four rowing the Atlantic Ocean was a team with a combined age of 223 years and 211 days, who completed the race in 52 days.
Rowing a two hours on, two hours off shift pattern for 24 hours a day, the Ancient Mariners overcame seasickness in up to 20ft waves, storms, salt sores, blisters, dehydration, sleep deprivation and exhaustion to reach Antigua after 49 days, 8 hours and 40 minutes at sea in their 8.7 metre Hitachi Capital (UK) PLC sponsored Grey Escape vessel.
To complete the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, the Ancient Mariners undertook around 1.5 million combined oar strokes consuming only dehydrated food whilst making their own drinking water on-board during their endeavour.
The record breaking adventure has raised over £20,000 for two charities - Blind Veterans in the UK and Open Arms Orphanage in Malawi, with £5,000 donated by Hitachi Capital (UK) PLC.
Guy Munnoch, Chairman of Hitachi Capital (UK) PLC, said, “It has been an unbelievably demanding, life changing experience for all of us, requiring immense mental and physical endurance, yet it was also an incredible journey for all of us.
“Faced with daily daunting challenges, the brilliant teamwork and camaraderie amongst all the crew has pulled us through tough moments, drawing strength and welcome distractions from the amazing marine life sightings and Atlantic sunsets beckoning us across the ocean expanse.
“It’s a tremendous feeling to reach the finish in less than 50 days and I’m incredibly proud that we’ve achieved a new Guinness World Record as the oldest team of four to row across an ocean, whilst also making a difference and supporting the fantastic work of the Blind Veterans and Open Arms - two charities very close to our hearts.”