Brit pair row to victory in Talisker Whisky race

The Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge – the “world’s toughest” boat race – has concluded with two Brits rowing to victory.

Mike Burton and Tom Salt celebrate winning the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge

The race, launched on 4 December, saw of rowers from Australia, Sweden and the UK travel 3,000 nautical miles across the Atlantic Ocean, from La Gomera in the Canary Islands, to Antigua in the Caribbean.

British rowers 53-year-old Mike Burton and 30-year-old Tom Salt beat off the international competition, completing the race in 41 days, two hours and 38 minutes.

“Mike and I are absolutely ecstatic to have won The Talisker Whisky Challenge,” said Salt.

“We’re no strangers to extreme challenges, but this is definitely the hardest thing we’ve ever done and pushed us to new limits both physically and mentally. We will be celebrating this evening with our friends and family – and the burger we have been dreaming about since day one.”

Burton and Salt’s team, called Locura Rows the Atlantic, raised money in aid of the Generous Hearts Foundation.

Other participants include injured members of the British Armed Forces, three professional English polo players and rowing enthusiasts.

Two teams were airlifted to safety after their boats capsized, while one team was rescued by a passing bulk carrier ship.

Talisker Scotch Whisky brand manager Sophie Brookes said: “The 2013/14 Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge has definitely been living up to its name as the world’s toughest rowing race – the weather has been particularly tough for our teams this year, with an enormous storm hitting the fleet within a few days of the race beginning.

“Mike and Tom have shown great determination since day one and we would like to congratulate them on their phenomenal win on behalf of everyone at Talisker.”