Dom Mee and his British Atlantic Quest team who are attempting to beat the world Atlantic rowing record are now back on track.

The team comprising Ed James, Tom Rendell and Pete Bird who set off from La Palma unsupported on Sunday 14 January were last week hit by headwinds which hampered their progress but heading south has made things easier and they are now experiencing tail winds again from the north-west.

Yesterday – Sunday 28 January – on day 14 of their voyage the team posted their best mileage so far; 97 miles.

According to Louay Habib from the press team, Mee missed a sat phone call on Saturday and the shore team were worried about a communication problem onboard but the team captain reported in on Sunday with good news: “We got hit by some fairly big waves which drenched the satellite antennae, no dramas though, one spray with Innotec AS1500 and she was good as new.

“The wind has swung around to our starboard quarter and we are caning the miles, after being dogged by headwinds. We are now up against it but the lads are determined to make up the lost miles and get to Barbados by the 18 February, there was a big cheer on board as we rowed passed the 1,000-mile mark. It was always going to be a tough record to beat but if anybody can do it, it will be this team, we have been pacing ourselves and now have the benefit of a good rest. If the weather holds there is no doubt that this team can step up the pace.”

The team have 11 days to row approximately 1,100 miles and they need to average one hundred miles a day. The weather looks set to give the team a sleigh ride into Barbados and the Royal Marines Reservists have been pacing themselves for a sprint finish. Wednesday 31 January will be half way through the 35-day target.