Plymouth graduates become world record holders after completing 2,000 mile row

A four-strong intrepid team of rowers have become world record holders after completing an epic 2,000 mile row around Great Britain.

‘The Islanders’ were the youngest in history to attempt the feat and have broken the world record completing the challenge in 26 days, nine hours and nine minutes.

They were first to row across the finish line at Tower Bridge yesterday (Thursday 27 June) at 5.25pm, cutting more than 12 hours off the previous record set in 2005.

Two of the four-strong team, James Plumley and Josh Taylor, are Plymouth University alumni. They both graduated in 2011 with first class honours degrees. The University was also a main sponsor of the team.

Josh said: “It was an incredible journey which tested us in ways we never saw coming. We’re particularly proud to have had the support of Plymouth University as, without their help, we wouldn't have been so well equipped and educated towards the skills we needed to complete the challenge.

“We're not special or super human, we are just lucky to have friends, met through university, who enjoy challenging themselves. We would encourage anyone to dare to go further than you thought possible. Work hard and you can do anything.”

The team rowed their 23-foot boat non-stop day and night on a two hour rota to chase down the world record. They encountered gale force winds, strong tides and changeable sea conditions and battled against severe fatigue, sleep deprivation and dehydration. They also suffered blisters and injuries but refused to quit, despite one of the team hurting his back when he was hit by waves in the Bristol Channel.

Josh continued: “The hardest part was sitting on anchor and watching time move past and the chance to break the world record. In fact, in the Irish Sea we almost reached the point where if we tried to go forward we would have been swept out to the Atlantic, or try and get backwards and risk being swept past the Scilly Isles. But we didn't panic, we had a hot chocolate and sat out the storm and carried on.”

Six boats started the race on June 1 but four teams dropped out due to various mechanical issues caused by the sea conditions. There is one boat left in the race which is due to finish in about a week’s time.

During their time at Plymouth Josh and James were active members of the University’s rowing club, representing the institution at the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) rowing contest in the top mens pair and four race.

Andrew Eccleston, lecturer in nautical studies in the University’s School of Marine Science and Engineering, said: “Everyone at Plymouth University is extremely proud of what Josh Taylor and his crew have achieved. Josh studied for his degree in the Navigation and Maritime Science department and we recognise that the Islanders' record-breaking voyage was not only an amazing feat of physical endurance, but also an extreme test of navigation, seamanship and leadership.”

Not only are they world record holders, they’ve also won a £100,000 prize which will be donated to their chosen charities.