IN PICTURES: Intrepid rowers make waves to cross Atlantic Ocean
Two courageous rowers have completed one of the world's toughest challenges by rowing across the Atlantic.
Software engineer Sean Lannon, aged 31 and biology teacher Lee Felton, 30, crossed the finish line of the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, finishing 19th overall in the race.
The team, called Square One Atlantic, took on the arduous challenge to raise money for Sport for Freedom. It took the team 65 days, 13 hours and 20 minutes, before crossing the finishing line on Wednesday.
Starting on December 14, they crossed the Atlantic Ocean from La Gomera in the Canary Islands, to Antigua, raising awareness for charities Rape Crisis England & Wales and Sport for Freedom, rowing more than 3,000 miles.
Following their arrival into Antigua, Mr Felton, from Dudley, wrote on his Facebook page: "We Did it! Just got into bed on Dry land after 65 days at sea.
"Will respond to the 350+ very kind messages over the next few days z z z - thank you for all the support."
The team rowed in shifts of two hours on and two hours off, with the fleet facing the first tropical storm to form in January since 1978, and the fourth in recorded history, with the pair also suffering from sleep deprivation, seasickness and excruciating body sores.
Space on board the boat was so limited, there were no bathroom facilities, limited cooking ability with both men sleeping in a smaller space than a single bed.
Mr Lannon, originally from Newcastle-upon-Tyne, said: ""It's good to be on dry solid land. Words can't describe it. It's just an unbelievable experience and you've got to row across an ocean to find out for yourself what it's like."
Talisker spokesman Sarah Fleming said: "We're delighted for Square One Atlantic and their success in this formidable race. This year's Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge has certainly lived up to its name of the world's toughest row."
Square One Atlantic originally signed up to the race as a four, however, two of the rowers dropped out making the challenge to reach the start line even greater for Sean and Lee. Overcoming this obstacle, Mr Lannon and Mr Felton battled on, and have now finished the race and hope to raise £30,000 for their chosen charities.
