TWO rowers on a journey across the Atlantic Ocean in aid of charity have passed the halfway mark.

Despite bad weather holding them back from achieving a world record crossing in 41 days, Phil McCorry and Dan Renner of Bexhill are making good progress as they head towards Barbados.

David Young, senior partner of chief sponsors, Gaby Hardwicke, said: “The commitment, drive, energy and sheer courage they have shown is inspirational.

“Whether the world record is beaten or not, the challenge has already succeeded on a number of levels – not least in uniting a community in support of such an incredible and brave endeavour.”

The pair reached the half-way mark last Saturday.

By Wednesday, they would have rowed 2,065 miles with 1,206 miles remaining. They left Gran Canaria on November 11 and expect to cross the finish line on Christmas day.

In the last week the average speed of the rowers has been about 2.8 knots an hour (roughly 3.2mph).

During one 24-hour period they rowed 78.5 miles; the equivalent of Brighton to Luton.

Bexhill Rowing Club president, Gerald Mathews, said: “Rowing an ocean is not for the faint hearted.”

He added: “These guys have my utmost admiration. Judging by the support they are receiving, most of Bexhill feels the same.”

After a good start to the row, strong head winds and rough seas hampered the crew. They headed further south than originally planned to avoid the worst conditions, but still spent over a day in the cabin as the sea was impossible to row in.

Dan's partner, Gemma Stoner, said: “In the midst of the severe weather Dan's words to me were that he was loving it.”

She added: “It's really exciting to see the boys are now making good progress west.” The pair have raised over £6,000 for St Mary's special needs school in Bexhill by printing sponsors’ names and business logos on the side of their boat, the Bexhill College Endeavour.

They also hope to raise £1,500 to ship the boat back home after the trip.

Donations can be made at www.atlanticchallenge14.org or by calling 07515 609468.

Supporters can track the progress of the row and leave comments at the website.

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