Two friends from Bracknell and Ascot have just completed an epic adventure in the World’s Toughest Row.
Karl Austen and Ed Shaw challenged themselves to row across the Atlantic three years ago – and this week crossed the finish line into Antigua in an incredible time of 52 days, three hours and 30 minutes. After leaving from La Gomera in the Canary Islands, family and friends were at the finish line at Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbour to welcome them.
Both Karl and Ed took turns on the oars, two hours on and two hours off, undertaking their shifts for a minimum of 12 hours per day each, and never sleeping for more than two hours at a time.
Their only contact with the world was via a satellite phone, as the race is completely unassisted and they carried everything they needed in their Rannoch R25 rowing vessel. From the dangers of 40ft waves and sea sickness, to Marlin strikes and salt sores, The World’s Toughest Row is the ultimate test of physical and mental endurance!
During their crossing in their boat named Pegasus, they experienced sea sickness, a capsize, blisters and sleep deprivation. But they also saw the brilliance of the bioluminescence, flying fish and other wildlife.
Karl Austen and Ed Shaw took on the challenge in the hope of raising awareness and money for both Dementia UK and Prostate Cancer UK. Their total currently stands at £10,500 – but you can still donate at https://www.gofundme.com/f/2-stroke-atlantic-row
