Bexhill Trust Challenger leads ocean race

The international event started on Sunday April 19 and all week the Row4Charity crew has maintained its strong position and pulled away from the rest of the field.

Three boats have withdrawn already from the 3,100 mile race which started from Geraldton in Western Australia and ends at Mauritius.

Twelve boats started on Sunday and the Row4Charity team quickly set up a convincing lead - they are the youngest team to take part in the race and all members of Bexhill Rowing Club.

Matt Hellier is 20, while Ian Allen is 24, and brothers Phil and Nick McCorry are 23 and 25 respectively.

They spent the last year fundraising to take part in the event as well as on behalf of The Stroke Association which they chose as team charity.

A Row4Charity spokesman said the race started on time and commented: "A large crowd were present at the start with a flotilla of boats to see them off.

"The boys were interviewed on Monday night live on the BBC News via a satallite phone. They were a little tired adjusting to the two hours rowing two hours resting schedule they are using. They are experiencing quite rough seas to start but hope to hit calmer water soon.

"Geoff Allum, the technical advisor, said the boys' start had not surprised him because each of them had been training hard for this, not just physically but mentally as well."

The team has been in contact with family, friends and loved ones and are "upbeat about their chances".

They have been receiving messages of support via emails - you can look at these and add to them, or simply track the team's progress throughout the oncoming weeks on www.indianoceanrowingrace09.com.