£170,000 (US$221,000) for global charities
Hyperion Insurance Group is delighted to announce that RKH Specialty’s Alex Simpson, and his crewmate Jamie Gordon have rowed across the Atlantic in a record-breaking time of 37 days, 17 hours and 42 minutes. By doing this, they have broken the world record for the fastest recorded two-man Atlantic crossing, and Simpson becomes the youngest person to row across three oceans at 27 years old.
The pair began their journey in Gran Canaria on Tuesday 29th January. Since then, they have covered roughly 4,800km to reach their destination, facing a gruelling rowing schedule in pursuit of their record-breaking goal.
Simpson has a remarkable track record of ocean crossing – achieving numerous world records from his previous two crossings. However difficult conditions during this challenge meant both rowers were pushed to their physical limit, rowing two hours on/two hours off, 24 hours a day for the duration of the crossing. Alongside dealing with sleep deprivation and physical exhaustion, the rowers also faced 12-metre waves, strong headwinds and potentially threatening encounters with commercial shipping.
In addition to breaking world records, the Hyperion Atlantic Challenge has raised an incredible £170,742 for Hyperion’s Million for a Million initiative, which is its biggest charity initiative to date and aims to raise US$1 million over the course of a year for global and local charities, including Black Dog Institute, Cancer Research UK, InteRed and Plastic Oceans. Hyperion has chosen global and local charities whose aims broadly help all sections of society by improving mental and physical health and promoting education, environmental sustainability, and ethical entrepreneurism.
On arrival in Barbados, Alex Simpson said: “Jamie and I never hesitated in our determination and self-belief that together we would break this challenging record.”
Dominic Collins, Chairman, Hyperion added: “I am delighted that Alex and Jamie have landed safely and succeeded in spite of difficult weather conditions in breaking the record. The physical and mental strength demonstrated by Alex and Jamie during this challenge has been truly inspirational and we should be justly proud of them for their outstanding achievement.”