TWO Islanders are more than a third of the way through a gruelling trans-Atlantic rowing race that has seen one crew pull out after capsizing.
Peter Wright and Steve Hayes set off in their boat, DragonFish, from La Gomera in the Canary Islands on 12 December, one of 43 crews attempting the 3,000-mile Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge.
At 8am on Friday, the duo, who had never rowed before they began training for the event two years ago, were 1,946 miles from the finish in Antigua.
DragonFish was ranked 33rd of the 42 crews remaining in the race, and was lying second in the open-pair category and fourth in the open class.
The overall leaders’ title was held by the four-man British/Dutch crew This Way Up, who had 1,182 miles to row.
On Thursday a four-man crew of US Air Force veterans was forced to abandon the race as its boat, Fight Oar Die, capsized and failed to self-right.
Race organisers reported on social media that the American rowers were safe and well, having been rescued by a freight ship.
Mr Wright, a finance director at Prosperity 24/7, and Mr Hayes, general manager at the Somerville Hotel, raised around £120,000 to take part in the event, with some of the money funding their boat, which cost £25,000.
The men are seeking to raise £50,000 for Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and Macmillan Jersey. Donations can be made at dragonfishrow.com.
