Jersey's Intrepid 232 rowing team set world record after rowing across Atlantic Ocean

  • Watch ITV Channel's coverage of the Intrepid 232 record-breaking challenge

Four Jersey women have set a new world record by becoming the oldest female crew to row any ocean.

The quartet onboard Intrepid 232, their boat which includes a reference to their combined ages, completed the 3,000-mile challenge across the Atlantic in 58 days.

Julie Brady, 60, Helene Monpetit, 56, Rosemary Satchwell, 55, and Alison Smithurst, 59, set off from La Gomera in the Canary Islands on 12 December 2023 and finally reached Antigua at around 9pm Jersey time on Friday 9 February 2024.

The crew rowed 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean. Credit: World's Toughest Row

The experience saw each of them row two hours on and two hours off, each burning more than 5,000 calories a day.

Arriving back on dry land, they said: "We're all so relieved. The last 10 days have been hell but we got through it as a group."

  • Julie, Helene, Rosemary and Alison described the final stretch of the race as "soul-destroying" as they battled against the weather

Throughout their rowing adventure, the crew have received an outpouring of praise.

Extreme environment athlete and former Welsh international rugby player Richard Parks was the guest speaker at this year's Betway Channel Islands Sports Awards and said hundreds of guests were gripped following the team's progress.

He explained: "For almost the entire evening, we were all talking about you.

"I just want to say congratulations, it's an amazing achievement and you inspired an entire room at the Sports Awards."

  • Former Welsh international rugby player and extreme environment athlete Richard Parks has sent his congratulations to the team

Jersey's Bailiff, Sir Timothy Le Cocq, said: "We do not underestimate what it must have taken, both physically and mentally, to complete the journey.

"I hope to be able to congratulate you personally on your return to the island."

Former Sports Minister, Deputy Lucy Stephenson, wrote: "Well done to this team of super mums from Jersey."

Members of the public have also been sharing their support online.

Sue Searson posted: "They've only gone and done it. Never give up! The oldest all-female crew to row any ocean."

Jane Vincent added: "You are amazing humans and we applaud your massive achievement."

As well as making history, the women have raised more than £13,500 for charity.

The money will be split between the Grace Crocker Family Support Foundation and the Blue Marine Foundation.