After 48 days at sea, a Teignmouth-based rowing duo are preparing to celebrate completing the World’s Toughest Row across the Atlantic Ocean.

Teignmouth watersports instructor Tim Cox and friend Andy Purvis, rowing as team Oar Mighty Mates 2C, have less than 100 miles left to row in the epic challenge.

After overtaking the Black Forest Rowers, Gregor Wacker and Sabrina Simpson, yesterday, Tim and Andy are due to arrive at Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbour, Antigua, tomorrow afternoon. Their expected arrival time is between 3pm and 5pm local time, which is between 7pm and 9pm in the UK.

When the pair finally arrive on dry land, Tim and Andy are mostly looking forward to a hot shower or bath, a Caeser salad and sleeping in a dry bed.

The pair set off on the 3000-mile journey from La Gomera in the Canary Islands on December 11. They have endured high seas, a man overboard incident, hallucinations from the sleep deprivation and a lack of electricity as a sandy haze prevented their solar panels from working.

However, Tim and Andy have also enjoyed seeing plenty of wildlife, including a shark, dolphins and flying fish, and some incredible views of the stars in the night sky.

Tim and Andy hope their herculean efforts will encourage supporters to donate to their two chosen charities: Dementia UK and baby loss charity Abigail’s Footsteps. Donations can be made via the Oar Mighty Mates 2C website: https://oarmightymates.co.uk