Other Sport / rowing
Bristol rowers become first team to cross Atlantic in eco-boat
An all-female team from Bristol have become the first competitors to finish the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge in an eco-boat.
The Bristol Gulls rowed into Antigua 46 days, seven hours and 50 minutes after setting off from Gomera in the Canary Islands 3,000 miles away.
The four friends from Bristol – Lorna Carter, Sofia Deambrosi, Phoebe Wright and Sarah Hunt – completed the crossing in a boat crafted from a range of sustainable materials including the core which was manufactured from recycled plastic bottles.
is needed now More than ever
Chartered accountant Sofia also became the first person from Uruguay to row any ocean.
The team raised money for Clean Up Bristol Harbour and the RNLI in Portishead while also hoping to inspire small changes towards more eco-friendly lifestyles.
Lorna, Phoebe, Sarah and Sofia have become the first team to complete the race in a boat made in an environmentally-friendly way – photo: Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge
Sarah said: “It’s really overwhelming but a great feeling to be in Antigua and back on dry land.
“Whilst out in the ocean, one remarkable moment was during the pitch black of night when we noticed the blow of an orka whale before more and more appeared and were swimming alongside us.
“We’re never going to experience that again and it will stay with us all forever.”
Main photo: Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge
Read more: Four Bristol women take on the world’s toughest row
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
