A LOCAL team of mixed amateur rowers are less than 200 nautical miles away from setting a new world record, after 39 days and counting at sea.

The Westbourne-based team of six set off from Cowes on the Isle of Wight on July 9 in their quest to set the world record for rowing non-stop around mainland Britain.

The record has been set by a men’s and a women’s team – but never by a mixed team.

Since setting off, the crew lost two members, one due to ill health and the other to a family emergency. However, team member Simone Talfourd has told the Daily Echo that the reduced team remains determined.

She said: “We’re all in a positive mindset. We’re starting to feel it in our bodies now and the constant headwinds against us, which we have had from the start, has really made the adventure as tough as can be.

“But at least we can say with certainty that we have achieved this remarkable feat against the odds. We believe that only 25 teams have attempted this challenge and eight have so far completed it.

“We believe we are still in line to get the world record as we have received no assistance and haven’t stopped or gone on shore.”

Bournemouth Echo: The mixed rowing team from Westbourne battling the elements around BritainThe mixed rowing team from Westbourne battling the elements around Britain

The mixed team of four is comprised of Simone, Andrew Burns, Mia Showell-Woodsmith and James Scott.

The men’s and women’s record of completion was 26 and 52 days respectively, which the team looks set to finish in between.

Simone, 36, added: “The biggest challenge has certainly been the weather. If we had had following winds we would have managed to shave a lot more time off, but you get what you get.

“As we all know Mother Nature is in charge. We’ve had many highlights on the trip from experiencing wildlife, the gorgeous but brutal Scottish coastline, and generally having an experience of a lifetime.

“Personally, I’m incredibly humbled and proud of all the team and what we have achieved, especially considering we are not rowers. It shows with the right amount of grit, tenacity and the nautical knowledge you can achieve remarkable feats.”

The team has raised more than £4,000 for the RNLI and plan to cross the finish line outside Cowes on Friday next week.