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A team of ocean rowers has set a new Guinness World Record for the fastest mixed team of six to complete the unsupported.

Departing from Tower Bridge, London, on 9 June, the crew of ‘Coastal Odyssey’ has rowed continuously and unsupported for the last 49 days, one hour and 29 minutes, covering 2,000 miles around the entire coast of Great Britain. 

Jim Bastin, Director of Operations for GB Row Challenge, said: “The team has done well to tackle some tricky weather. The jet stream has thrown endless areas of low pressure and their associated weather fronts and strong winds, which the team has had to battle.”

As they crossed the finish line, exhausted yet euphoric, they proved that no weather, however miserable, could dampen their determination.  

Skipper, Patrick Deacon, said: “I’m immensely proud of our team and what they have achieved in such unprecedented weather! We have persevered against unseasonable headwinds for seven weeks, become the first mixed team to row around Great Britain unassisted from Tower Bridge to Tower Bridge, and have done it all with a smile. 

“We’ve enjoyed many highs - the one that stands out for me was the slender of the wild western isles in Scotland, where we were lucky enough to see whales up close. Lows are also inevitable on such an expedition, especially when battling the unique British climate and complex tides. 

“I’m very much looking forward to a bath, a glass of nice red wine and all the cheese!”

In addition to completing this remarkable feat, the team has collected valuable environmental data, which will be analysed by scientists at the 1024�˹���.

This data will contribute to ongoing research efforts aimed at understanding the impacts of human activity on marine ecosystems and informing strategies for conservation and sustainability.

They’ve collected 59 eDNA samples for biodiversity analysis, 28 microplastic pollution samples, and sea temperature data using a fin-embedded sensor. Their boat ‘Intrepid’ has also collected over 1,000 hours of underwater sound data, which equates to just under three terabytes. 

Professor Fay Couceiro, expert in biogeochemistry and environmental pollution at the 1024�˹���, said: “I am so pleased to see all the rowers return safe and sound, having set a new world record! This is a remarkable achievement, which is made even more impressive by their commitment to gathering scientific data. 

“I am very grateful for their perseverance in collecting this data, and look forward to getting the samples back to the lab for analysis.”

The GB Row Challenge is considered the world’s toughest rowing race as teams have to row continuously and unassisted while navigating complex tidal streams, shipping lanes and volatile weather.

Coastal Odyssey has rowed two hours on and two hours off for most of the journey, except for when they have had to sit on anchor to wait out bad weather. 

Patrick added: “We would like to thank GB Row Challenge for the opportunity to partake in such an epic adventure and especially Jim Bastin for all his help in the lead up and his wealth of knowledge, guidance and support throughout the entire race. 

“This wouldn’t have been possible without all our sponsors and especially our lead sponsor The Crown Estate’s Marine Data Exchange. This has all been in aid of scientific research with the 1024�˹��� and to raise money for our chosen charity, Surfers Against Sewage. Please look us up on Just Giving if you would like to donate and check out our best bits on Instagram @coastalodyssey2024.”

GB Row Challenge Founder, William de Laszlo, has completed the challenge twice. He said: “Huge congratulations to Coastal Odyssey for setting a new Guinness World Record. They’ve been an amazing team, demonstrating incredible determination, teamwork, and resilience in battling another year of turbulent weather. Thank you, team, on behalf of GB Row and the University, for all the data you’ve collected and the example you’ve set for us all."