Record-breaking rowers celebrated in Jersey

The crew became the oldest female four crew to complete the event, known as the world's toughest rowing race

Jersey's record-breaking female rowing crew have taken part in homecoming celebrations.

Julie Brady, Helene Monpetit, Rosemary Satchwell, and Alison Smithurst completed a 58-day race across the Atlantic Ocean in February.

In the process, they became the oldest female four crew to complete the event, known as the world's toughest rowing race.

Hundreds of people cheered on the Intrepid 232 crew at the special ceremony in the Royal Square on Saturday.

The Intrepid 232 crew completed the 3,000 mile (4,500 km) journey by rowing into Nelson's Dockyard in Antigua at 21:15 GMT on Friday 9 February.

The women began their journey on 13 December 2023, spending two hours rowing, then two hours resting, alongside trying to eat, sleep and maintain the boat.

As part of the homecoming celebration they were given a bronze Bailiff’s Medal in recognition of their achievement.

Team member Rosemary Satchwell said: “It was very humbling, very surprising and a little bit nerve-racking, but having the medals in our hands, it's just an amazing experience."

Fellow member Julie Brady added: “We never in a million years imagined that we'd be honoured with anything like this. It's a big honour.

“It was entirely unexpected.”

'It’s just incredible'

Members of Jersey Rowing Club turned out in numbers to support the four mums.

Its chairman Gerald Howe said: “We are enormously proud of them and to think that the Bailiff took time out to praise them is wonderful.

“Hopefully it's good for them. It's good for the club. It's great for the island.”

Steve and Manuela Milsom were among the hundreds of people who came out to recognise the crew of Intrepid 232.

Steve said: “It's a fantastic achievement. I run quite a lot and I find that difficult, but the thought of rowing like they have, in those conditions – it’s just incredible.”

Manuela added: “It puts Jersey on the world stage with success like this.”

The Bailiff awarded the medals to the rowers during the ceremony.

Sir Timothy Le Cocq said: “It's been a fantastic atmosphere. It's been full of life.

“We're really proud of the crew and I'm sure they have inspired a generation and generations.”