AN Atlantic rower has become the youngest female to row across an ocean after completing the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge.

Jasmine Harrison, from Thirsk, North Yorkshire, completed the 3000-mile journey in 70 days, three hours and 48 minutes, event organisers, Atlantic Campaigns, said in a statement.

She set off from La Gomera in the Canary Islands on Saturday, December 12 and arrived on Saturday, February 20, into Antigua in the West Indies.

Reflecting on her triumph, she said: “It's the best experience a young person could ever want or have.
“I would do it again but at the same time I would rather have other people regardless of age doing it so if I have inspired some one out there – I’m happy!”

A total of 21 international entrants – including four-man crews, all-female boats and solo competitors – rowed in this edition of the annual Atlantic Challenge, which raises money for charity.

Ms Harrison supported charities including Shelterbox, which helps provide emergency shelter to families around the world, and which she was inspired to support after witnessing hurricane damage on an earlier visit to the Caribbean.

She said: “It was while I was in the Caribbean I saw the aftermath of the hurricanes in 2017 and discovered the really important work that Shelterbox was doing."

Carsten Heron Olsen, chief executive of Atlantic Campaigns, said Ms Harrison had shown “incredible strength and endurance”.

“Every year we are amazed by the grit and determination shown by teams that take on the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge and this year is no different,” he said.

Ms Harrison was moved to compete in the challenge after visiting Antigua and witnessing the finish of the event in 2017.

It was while travelling alone around the Caribbean, after completing her A-levels, she saw the boats arriving at the finish line in Antigua.

She said: “It wasn’t the big finish that pulled me in, it was the idea of rowing across the Atlantic on my own.

“I like doing things alone, especially adventurous and challenging things it really gives me a buzz.


“And the idea of rowing alone for 100 days or more was just so fascinating.

“This is a life-changing race and I just can’t wait to take it on.”