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Britons Win Inaugural Indian Ocean Rowing Race 2009

After rowing a colossal 3,132 nautical miles, non-stop across the Indian Ocean, Britons Phil McCorry, (24), brother Nick McCorry (25), Matt Hellier (20) and Ian Allen (25), crew members of Boat No. 7 ‘Bexhill Trust Challenger’, made history today by winning the first ever Indian Ocean Rowing Race 2009.

Two months previously, these intrepid four life long friends from Bexhill, East Sussex set off from Geraldton, Western Australia together with nine other international crews in this unique, ultra-endurance, ocean adventure. 68 days, 19 hours and 40 minutes later, the Bexhill Trust Challenger, a 29ft long purposely designed composite ocean rowing boat, triumphantly crossed the finish line off the beautiful island of Mauritius at 2240hrs GMT today, Friday 26^th June 2009.

By winning the Race, the crew of the Bexhill Trust Challenger have also become the first ever team of four to row across the Indian Ocean and crew member, Matt Hellier at the age of 20, is the youngest.

Bexhill Trust Challenger Crew Member, Phil McCorry comments: “We are totally overwhelmed to finally be here.  The crossing was an amazing adventure for all of us but to win the race as well, was an added bonus.

“We would like to thank all our wonderful supporters who have followed and encouraged us all the way across the Indian Ocean and who have done an incredible job in raising valuable funds for our charity, The Stroke Association.

“We are now looking forward to a long hot shower, some fresh food and a full night of sleep in a bed that doesn’t move”.

Organised by West Country based nautical events company, Woodvale Challenge Ltd, the Indian Ocean Rowing Race 2009 is one in a series of rowing races with a difference.  Providing ordinary people with the chance to achieve the extraordinary, Woodvale Ocean Rowing Races offer the adventure of a lifetime to anyone regardless of gender, age or experience.

Simon Chalk, Chairman of Woodvale Challenge comments: “Many congratulations to the crew of Bexhill Trust Challenger on wining this most grueling of Ocean Rowing Races in such impressive style.  Just four successful crossings prior to this race proves how difficult this adventure is but the guys onboard Bexhill have run a faultless campaign from start to finish and their success is completely justified.

“There are still four teams to finish the Indian Ocean Rowing Race 2009, expected to arrive in to Mauritius over the next few weeks.  Woodvale Challenge Ltd will then look forward to the Atlantic Rowing Race 2009, starting later on this year”.