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Flying Ferkins Win the Pairs Class of the Indian Ocean Rowing Race 2009

After 102 days at sea and having rowed well in excess of 3,200 nautical miles across the treacherous and unpredictable Indian Ocean, Guy Watson (25) and Andrew Delaney (25), arrived at the beautiful island of Mauritius today becoming the first ever Pairs Team to successfully row across the Indian Ocean and winning the Pairs Class of the inaugural Indian Ocean Rowing Race 2009 in the process.

Guy and Andrew, who are both from West Sussex, UK have been locked in a fierce battle for first place in the Pairs Class of this unique ultra endurance race since the very start.  In their purpose built boat named ‘Flying Ferkins’ Guy and Andrew have jostled and swapped positions with fellow Pairs Class entry, ‘Southern Cross’ time and time again, since the full fleet of ten competing teams (consisting of Fours, Pairs and Solo Class entries), set off from Western Australia more than three months ago.

On occasions, there has been only a few miles separating these two intrepid teams but the ‘Flying Ferkins’ picked their rivals to the post, crossing the finish line at 1640Hrs GMT today in a time of 102 days, 13 hours and 40 minutes, with a mere margin of only 55 nautical miles ahead of ‘Southern Cross’.

Guy Watson, crew member of ‘Flying Ferkins’ comments: “We are overwhelmed to finally be here.  102 days sea in the Indian Ocean, in a boat just 24ft long has certainly been one the most difficult things I have ever done”.

“We have had a terrific race with James and Jamie on ‘Southern Cross’ and although we have finished a full month after the overall race winners, we are elated to be one of only five teams to succeed in this monumental challenge.”

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: “Changeable weather conditions and confused currents make the Indian Ocean an immense challenge for any rowing team”.

“Many congratulations to Guy and Andrew on their fantastic achievement in becoming the first Pairs team to cross the Indian Ocean and for winning their Class in this most difficult of ocean challenges.”