News

Britannia III and her crew were hoping to beat the current record set by La Mondiale of 33 days and 7 hours, but poor weather and bad luck stepped in to hamper the record attempt. She was meant to make land at English Harbour, Antigua but earlier in the attempt the skipper Ian Couch and land crew decided to finish in Barbados, hoping that a more favourable forecast would increase their speed and see them challenge for the record. Sadly she never quite had the conditions, but take nothing away from the crew who for nearly 39 days rowed their hearts out to make history.

The crew also endured a series of electrical problems that affected their water maker – limiting the production of fresh drinking water throughout their crossing, but the crew stay strong and pushed through this problem.

The crossing represents the latest successful ocean rowing voyage – just 250 crews have previously made land spanning the last 130 years. Ian Couch has also become one of just 7 people to have made 3 successful ocean crossings, having rowed the Atlantic in 2007 and the Indian Ocean in 2009. Ian has spent 134 days at sea and clocked up in excess of 8000nm.

For the crew and their families now is a time to embrace the moment and celebrate a safe and successful crossing along with some much needed rest and recovery. Congratulations to Britannia III and all her crew for their successful voyage from all the team at Woodvale Challenge.