Jersey Atlantic rowers get 'unbelievable welcome'

The team celebrate after a frustrating end to their row

A team of record-breaking rowers said they got an "unbelievable reception" when they arrived in Antigua after rowing across the Atlantic.

The Jersey quartet became the oldest women to row across the Atlantic.

Rosemary Satchwell, 55, said it was "just absolutely magic" arriving in Antigua after 58 days at sea.

Ms Satchwell, along with fellow rowers Alison Smithurst, 59, Julie Brady, 60, and Helene Monpetit, 56, broke the world record on Friday night.

The rowers said they were all feeling wobbly after being at sea for so long

The women rowed into Nelson's Dockyard in Antigua at 21:15 GMT after 58 days, 12 hours and 30 minutes at sea.

The moment marked the completion of the Intrepid 232 crew's 3,000-mile (4,500 km) row - known as the World's Toughest Row.

'Bit of frustration'

The women said they had spent the past week within 100 miles (160.9 km) of the finish line but winds and tides had prevented them from finishing.

"There was quite a bit of frustration towards the end and wondering would we ever actually get there," said Ms Satchwell.

"We just seemed to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

"We were just saying 'If we get there we get there', but the welcome was unbelievable."

The Intrepid 232 crew completed the 3,000-mile (4,500 km) row, known as the World's Toughest Row

The number of their boat, the Intrepid 232, reflects their combined age.

The rowers said they were all feeling wobbly after being at sea for so long.

"It's going to take a little while for our muscles to work out walking again," said Ms Satchwell.

The team broke the Ocean Rowing Stats world record by being the oldest female fours crew to ever cross the Atlantic Ocean.

The previous world record holders were collectively 43 years younger.

The team has raised more than £12,000 for the Grace Crocker Family Support Foundation.