Harrogate team smashes world records and completes Atlantic Ocean challenge

The Force Atlantic team have finished ninth overall in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, completing the race in 37 days, 13 hours and 53 minutes, to be exact.

The determined dream team, comprising of the college's Commanding Officer, Lt Col Richard Hall, Capt Chris Hames, Capt Alex Walsh, and 18-year-old Private Kian Helm, have made history as the very first to participate from the British Army, but not only that, Kian has also become the youngest person to have rowed the Atlantic as part of a team.

On achieving this mindblowing feat, billed as the world's toughest row, Lt Col Hall said: "We did it. We rowed the terrifying, majestic Atlantic. We achieved everything we set out to do, and I am so grateful and proud to represent the Army, and to show what our young soldiers, fresh from training, are capable of. Thank you to everyone for the overwhelming support."

Force Atlantic spent Christmas and New Year at sea - away from family, friends and loved ones, and had to contend with the monotony of rowing in shifts throughout the day and night, as they battled their way from the Canary Islands to Antigua, all on one small seven-metre long boat.

The team is motoring towards their £100,000 fundraising target for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity - click here to donate to their JustGiving page.