Two RAF officers including one from Devon have spoken of their relief at completing an epic 3,000-mile unassisted rowing trip across the Atlantic.

Squadron Leader Matt Stowers, 32, and Flight Lieutenant Mark Jacklin, 34, of RAF Honington, crossed the finish line of the 2003 Atlantic Challenge race at Port St Charles, Barbados, on Monday.

It took the pair 78 days to row the 3,000 nautical miles from San Sebastien de la Gomera in the Canary Islands.

They had aimed to beat the existing world record by rowing to Barbados in less than 41 days, but during the trip the officers experienced rough weather conditions, suffered salt sores and had to spend Christmas and New Year at sea.

Strong currents at the entrance to Port St Charles harbour meant a support yacht had to tow their 24ft boat the Per Ardua for the final mile. This meant they did not qualify for a race finish.

Sqn Ldr Stowers said he expected to be back home in Teignmouth, Devon, by the weekend.

'It felt like a long time out there. We weren't expecting to be out for that long so it's a relief to be in,'' he said. 'I don't think the achievement will sink in for a couple of days, until we've had time to appreciate everything we've done.

'It's a shame we didn't complete the race, we worked hard for 78 days, against the odds but the weather beat us.'

Fl Lt Jacklin said: 'I'm feeling good, although a little giddy and a bit unsteady on my feet. I have got some sore bits and, emotionally, I have not quite come to terms with it yet. It's a long time to be at sea. I missed out on quite a bit and it's going to take some time to catch up with things.'

Sqn Ldr Stowers and Fl Lt Jacklin join an elite group of around 100 teams who have successfully rowed the Atlantic unassisted. The pair hope to have raised £30,000 for the children's charity Philip Green Memorial Trust.

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