Clwb Rhwyfo Crannog Rowing Club’s team of eight women and four men smashed their previous club record on the 2019 Arklow to Aberystwyth Celtic Challenge when they came first in their class and were fifth boat home just after 7am on May Bank Holiday Monday.

After a two-day delay due to rough seas, the teams departed Ireland on Sunday, 5 May, and rowed throughout the night to reach the finish at Aberystwyth the next morning.

The ladies, mixed and miscellaneous teams left Arklow at midday on the Sunday.

Crannog were the first miscellaneous team across the line at 7.04am on Monday in a time of 19 hours and 12 minutes – over six hours faster than the club’s previous crossing record.

The team, ranging in age from 19 to 67, included several novices.

“This race is an amazing challenge and I am so proud of all of our team including our fabulous support crew,” said crew member Rhian Evans,thanking all the sponsors.

“We exceeded all our expectations and it is an unforgettable achievement for the club.

“When the race began on Sunday we were hoping only to complete the race, but finishing first in class and ahead of most other teams shows what can be achieved through excellent team-work and proves that the months of training both on and off the water was absolutely worth it.”

The 12 crew members who each chose individual charities to support have raised in total well over £6,000 between their chosen charities and are extremely grateful for donations received.

See this week’s south papers for the full story, available in shops and as a digital edition on Wednesday