British endurance athletes Beth and Jess have set a new world record after becoming the fastest women’s pair to row the Atlantic Ocean, completing the crossing during the World’s Toughest Row 2025.
Rowing under the team name Atlantic Highway, the pair completed the 3,000-mile route from La Gomera to Antigua in 38 days, 12 hours and 18 minutes, finishing as winners of the Women’s Class and setting a new benchmark for the event.
The World’s Toughest Row is considered one of the most demanding ocean endurance races, requiring competitors to row completely unsupported across the Atlantic. Beth and Jess faced 40-foot seas, tropical storms and long periods of physical and mental fatigue throughout the crossing.
Their finishing time broke the existing women’s pair Atlantic rowing world record by almost a full week, placing their effort among the fastest Atlantic crossings completed by a two-person crew.
Crossing the Atlantic east to west is a serious undertaking, with crews spending over a month at sea, managing navigation, sleep deprivation, weather systems and onboard maintenance while rowing in shifts around the clock.
Atlantic Highway rowed in support of The Wave Project, a UK-based charity that uses Surf Therapy to support young people’s mental health through structured surf programmes.
The Wave Project works with young people facing challenges such as anxiety and depression, helping them build confidence and resilience through time in the ocean.
Jaz Bennett, North Devon Project Coordinator for The Wave Project, said:
“Surf Therapy gives young people the space to reset and reconnect. Watching Beth and Jess complete this Atlantic crossing and set a new world record has been hugely motivating for everyone involved.”
To donate to Beth and Jess' cause with The Wave Project, please follow the link below:
