Colchester couple complete Atlantic charity row challenge

The couple say they will "never regret" their transatlantic feat

A couple who hoped to row the Atlantic for charity have successfully completed the 3000-mile (4,828km) challenge in 66 days but are short of funds to return to the UK, after sponsors pulled out.

Nina and Simon Crouchman, from Colchester, Essex, took on the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge in December.

Their efforts raised more than £10,000 for The Samaritans.

However, with the loss of two "major" sponsors they are now raising about £4,000 for the return journey.

The couple need to get their boat and themselves back to the UK from the Caribbean.

"At the last minute after we were already in La Gomera [Canary Islands] and we'd already got the boat out, we had two quite big sponsors pull out," Mrs Crouchman said.

"We can't then pull the plug on everything because the boat [was] already in La Gomera, so we're here and we just have to process it each day as it comes to try and work it out."

The annual challenge brings together teams and solo rowers from all over the world, setting off from San Sebastian in La Gomera in December and rowing to Nelson's Dockyard in Antigua & Barbuda.

• BBC Sounds: Couple talk to BBC Essex about completing their 3,000-mile voyage

Rowing the world's second-largest ocean is acknowledged as the ultimate endurance race because of levels of sleep deprivation and the strength of the waves - but it promises a life-changing achievement.

Mr and Mrs Crouchman set off from the Canary Islands on 12 December and completed the crossing on Thursday, 16 February.

Nina and Simon Crouchman faced many challenges throughout their 66-day challenge

But it wasn't all plain sailing for the couple, who found themselves stranded for 11 days at one point when a rudder broke.

However they said the feat was something they would "never regret".

The couple, who have been married for 27 years and have three children, took part under the team name "Mr and Mrseas".

Mr Crouchman, 53, said the challenge had given them a better understanding of each other's limits.

"I think we have both seen how deep we can dig when we need to, when pushed to extremes," he said.

During their 66 days at sea the couple said there were some definite stand-out moments.

"We lost our rudder and damaged our steering gear, so we were waiting on anchor for 11 days for some parts to be delivered," Mr Crouchman said.

"The stand-out moment was when we saw that sailing boat come over the horizon with those spare parts.

"That - and being surrounded by dolphins on Christmas morning."

Back on dry land the couple said it would be strange returning to work

Mrs Crouchman, 50, said: "We always knew it would be difficult logistically and financially, but we don't regret it.

"The things we have been through along the way have just made it even better."

The couple took turns to steer their 24ft (7.3m) boat, rowing two hours on and two hours off.

After returning to dry land the couple enjoyed a Coke, burger and beer.

Mr Crouchman said: "We're still taking it all in. It's definitely going to be strange going back to work."

The couple raised money for the Samaritans, a charity Mrs Crouchman said was "close to our hearts".

With that complete - and cash still coming in - they are now trying to ensure they can get home.

"We'll get there," Mr Crouchman said.

"Lots of people have been very generous so far. We'll get back."

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