Ocean Race Brings Glory for Four

Finish line at Port St. Charles, Barbados. From left, Jason Hart, Yorkie Lomas, Shaun Barker, Phil Langman.
© Ocean Rowing Society

Thirty-six days after leaving the Canary Islands, four rowers crossed the Port St. Charles finish line in Barbados. The Ocean Rowing Society Atlantic Rowing Regatta for 2004 has been won by British boat, Queensgate, ahead of 12 other starters.

Thirty-six days ago Shaun Barker, Yorkie Lomas, Jason Hart and Phil Langman, dressed in tuxedos, left St. Sebastian de la Gomera aboard their 24-foot rowing boat. They wanted to beat the trans-Atlantic rowing world record.

They did – nearly. An 11-man French crew finished in 35 days in 1992 leaving Queensgate instead with the record for the first four-person boat to complete the crossing and setting the standard for future races. The crew’s attempt to break the world record was hindered by strong winds that prevented faster boat speeds.

Queensgate’s boat moving formula had the crew rowing two at a time in one-hour shifts. During their minimal amount of time off, crew members would catch some sleep and consume 6,000 calories over the 24-hour period.

Despite the high calorie diet, crew members arrived in Port St. Charles about 12 kilograms lighter and demanding a first meal of cheeseburgers and beer.

The four will join an elite group of 117 people who have rowed the nearly 5,000 kilometre Atlantic distance and are part of a growing number of attempts in recent years.

Meanwhile, over 1’200 kilometres behind the winners, the race to Barbados continues with two doubles holding onto second and third spots. Two solo boats follow them. Presently the race’s oldest competitor, 65-year-old Pavel Rezvoy of Ukraine is in front. But Rezvoy is battling for fourth position with fellow solo racer and the regatta’s youngest competitor, 23-year-old Sam Knight from Great Britain.

Further back in the field five boats are yet to pass the half-way point. They include two solo rowers, Matthew Boreham on his third Atlantic rowing attempt and Henry Dale who is now rowing solo after his partner pulled out due to illness. 

Of the 13 original boats, 12 remain after rower Mark Mortimer retired due to foul weather.

This is the inaugural race for the Ocean Rowing Society. They plan to hold this event annually starting January 20th to coincide with the first solo crossing by John Fairfax in 1969.