After 48 days at sea unaided in just a seven-meter rowing boat, 3000 miles later the polo playing team cross the finish line to win their division.
A team of four made up of a Viscount, the former Captain of the England polo team, a professional polo player and a former stockbroker have beaten all odds and won their division of the world’s No.1 Ocean Endurance Race after 48 days at sea unaided in just a seven-meter rowing boat. Known as the dark horses of the race, the team were not expected to even get to the start line and today they have achieved the fastest crossing out of all of the ‘fours’ racing and are the 2nd boat to reach land out of the entire fleet.
The brutal endurance race only takes place every two years where more people have been into space, or climbed Everest than they have rowed the Atlantic. The team set off on December 4th rowing into the worse weather seen in 100 years against 16 other teams from around the world.
The Team has been racing neck-to-neck against former servicemen Row 2 Recovery who got as close as five miles behind them in a bid to overtake them at times during the gruelling 48 day race. Surviving weather conditions and storms not seen in 100 years the team endured 40 foot waves, being locked in the airtight cabin for 70 hours, fevers and two men overboard.
The team commented:
“The Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge is something we feel extremely privileged to have experienced, yet would not have wished upon our worst enemies - we have been through hell and back again out there! Most did not expect us to even get to the start line, we are delighted to have won the fours and be 2nd out of the entire fleet – this whole situation is epic.”
The race has seen three crews needing air lift rescues and 12 crews of solos, pairs and fours are still at sea as the Atlantic Polo Team can enjoy being back on dry land.
Teams row more than 3,000 nautical miles across the world's second largest ocean, heading west from San Sebastian in La Gomera to Nelson's Dockyard English Harbour, Antigua. Once they leave the safety of the harbour they are on their own in the vast ocean against the mercy of the elements.
No outside support is permitted once the race begins and rowers will be disqualified in the event of requiring support. No boat shall receive any extra supplies during the race, including food, water or equipment.
The team are rowing to raise money for working horses and their families on behalf of the Brooke and children in both the UK and disadvantaged countries on behalf of Hilton in the Community Foundation and Right To Play.
Media Enquiries:
Lucy Northmore, 07921887296
www.atlanticpoloteam.com
www.taliskerwhiskyatlanticchallenge.com
Image by Ben Duffy
ABOUT HENRY BRETT:
Henry (38) is the only English player of his generation to have reached a handicap of 8 goals in the UK. He has Captained and played for his country for over a decade and won every major tournament in England and overseas. Henry comes from Oxford and runs a young horse programme as well as continues to play professionally around the world.
ABOUT BOBBY DUNDAS (VISCOUNT MELVILLE):
Bobby (29) is the Captain of the four-man Atlantic Polo Team boat, based in Gloucestershire Bobby has played for England in the European Championships in Rome, the World Cup in Mexico, and England tours to Pakistan and Zimbabwe. His charity work started in Argentina by volunteering at an orphanage which he continues to visit regularly. In 2012 Bobby set up 'Monty's Polo for Justice‘ to help raise funds for Alexander Monson who fell victim to police brutality in Kenya.
ABOUT JAMES GLASSON:
James (39) is a professional polo player and Business Director based in Sussex. James is the adventurer of the team and an avid sailor having already sailed across the Atlantic in 2011, climbed numerous Mountains and also reached the summit of Aconcagua – the highest mountain in the America’s. James is ready for a new challenge and to show off his navigation skills. He has played around the world in high goal polo and for England.
ABOUT FERGUS SCHOLES:
Fergus Scholes (31) is an amateur polo player and former stockbroker. Fergus held the title of National School’s Champion, rowing at Henley for three years and was the Schools' Head of River Race champion amongst other achievements and is looking forward to picking up the oars again for this coveted challenge.
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