UKSA helps record breakers

UKSA is celebrating the record-breaking achievements of two of their alumni. Guy Watts and Andrew Delaney of Team MSS crossed the finishing line of the inaugural Woodvale Indian Ocean rowing race at 16:40 GMT on Thursday July 30th 2009, after a grueling 102 days, 13 hours and 40 minutes and 3,870 nautical miles at sea.

The pair are now recognised as holders of several impressive world records, including being the first pairs team to have rowed land to land across the Indian Ocean unassisted, and finishing the race as the fastest pairs team. This extraordinary feat would not have been achieved without their sheer drive and determination and the maritime training and experiences the team received from UKSA.

Guy said: “This was an incredible challenge to undertake and we are thrilled with our success. Only five people have ever managed to complete the distance before, and we are not only the first pair to ever do so but also the youngest which is an amazing achievement. The training we undertook at UKSA was fantastic, and proved vital in helping us cope with the waves, whales, sharks, swarms of jellyfish and 40 degree temperatures we encountered during the row. The support we received from the entire team at UKSA continued throughout the race and afterwards, long after our training had ended, which really made a difference to Andrew and myself.”

Guy and Andrew completed several qualifications at UKSA to aid them in their mammoth task, including training in first aid, sea survival and ocean navigation – all vital tools required during their ocean crossing. Ben Willows, Operations Director at UKSA, commented: “We are absolutely delighted with Guy and Andrew’s success in becoming world-record breakers. Their training here at UKSA is an excellent example of the real difference training can make, not just for people involved in world-class events but in all aspects of maritime activity. As a registered charity, we are committed to changing the lives of young people from all backgrounds, providing education and personal development to all.”

For further information visit www.uksa.org and www.indianoceanrace.com