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Rower Completes Slowest Atlantic Crossing


FALMOUTH, England (AP) -- A British rower has set a record for the slowest-ever Atlantic crossing, coming ashore in southern England Friday, 124 days after leaving North America.

The time was a disappointment, considering the 23-year-old rower, Oliver Hicks, had hoped to break the record of 62 days for the fastest west-to-east crossing.

But Hicks, who set off May 27 from Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey, did claim a record for being the youngest person to row an ocean solo, and another for being the first Briton to make the crossing.

"It was just one of those things. If we had had better weather, we would have been quicker," Hicks said. "I have no regrets at all about being out there so long, but I am very pleased to be getting home now. The last weeks have been very tough as it got colder and wetter and darker and rougher."

Hicks said he was ready to go again.

"I reckon I've got another row in me," he said. "Nobody has successfully rowed the southern ocean yet, so I could possibly head down to the southern hemisphere. I'd like to achieve a real first."

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Created: 9/30/2005 10:10:45 AM
Updated: 9/30/2005 10:11:09 AM
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