Two Yorkshire lawyers have completed the ‘World’s Toughest Row’, an unsupported Atlantic crossing from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua, in aid of two much-loved regional charities.

David Knaggs and Richard Larking, racing as Greens2Blue, began their Atlantic attempt on 14 December after months of intensive preparation, and crossed the finish line in Antigua at 1:30pm UK time on 29th January at Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua, greeted at the dockside by more than 20 friends and family who had travelled from the UK, and dozens of locals and fellow race competitors.

The pair, who have so far raised more than £180,000 for Maggie’s Home of Cancer Care and Friends of Alfie Martin with donations and sponsorship still flowing in, were among the oldest teams in this year’s fleet of 43 boats, finishing 32nd overall.

During their 46 day journey they survived capsizing in heavy storms in the mid-Atlantic, David was even thrown overboard during severe weather several hundred miles from the finish line, surviving only thanks to a harness and lifeline that ensured he was able to be hauled back aboard the 7.1m rowing boat, Brizo.

The vastness of the ocean was probably the high point and the capsize was definitely the low. It was frightening, thrilling and exhausting, and you learn so much about yourself, and your partner. We always said we just wanted two things, to make it to the other side, and still as friends. We never had a cross word at any point.

It was just relentless, two hours on, two hours off, always tired, and always wet clothes. We’ve had such great support from so many people and we really, really appreciate everyone who helped us to make this happen. From the trainers and coaches who helped up prepare for the experience, to the sponsors and especially all our friends and family, it’s been incredible.

They had trained for two years to cope with the sleep deprivation and physical demands of ocean conditions as they took two-hour shifts throughout the gruelling task, which took them 46 days, 1 hour and 19 minutes to complete. The pair fought 40 ft swells, a near miss with an ocean trawler, several ocean storms and were even hit by flying fish as they took their turn at the oars.

Julian Pitts, from lead sponsor Begbies Traynor Group (BTG), said:
“The guts and determination of David and Richard is honestly remarkable. From the day they hatched this plan on the golf course together, they have single-mindedly battled to get the boat and equipment together to make it to the start line, raise the huge sums of money for charity, and be in the right mindset and condition to complete this massive challenge. We’re hugely proud of the guys and look forward to hearing all about their adventure when they land back in Yorkshire.”

A number of businesses have supported the duo’s fundraising efforts, including headline sponsor, financial advisory and real estate firm Begbies Traynor Group, and Leeds-based corporate finance boutique Sentio Partners.

Other supporting businesses include Ginetta; Happy Drains; Optivet Referrals; Cellular Pathology Services; Macintosh James & Partners Wealth Management; El Gato Negro Tapas; Middleton Law; Richard Fahey Racing; Springfield Healthcare, Waterer’s Services Limited; Walker Morris and SBFM Ltd. Further opportunities to support the team in their fundraising can be found on the website: www.greens2blue.co.uk