Barred crew continue sea crossing

The skipper says the team will continue to Antigua

A female skipper from Northampton is continuing to row across the Atlantic despite her team being disqualified.

Sally Kettle, 28, has rowed 1,600 miles with Jo Davies, 27 from Reading, Sue McMillan, 30, from Yorkshire and Clair Mills, 23, from Dunstable, Beds.

The team were attempting to break the world record for the fastest Atlantic crossing by an all-women team.

They were disqualified after Jo Davies injured her back and had to leave. The rest say they will continue to Antigua.

'Massive achievement'

In a statement Sally Kettle said: "For Jo it has been the most difficult decision she's probably ever made and one we were all keen she made herself.

"We are all incredibly upset that things haven't turned out the way we'd planned. We've been disqualified from the race but whole heartedly believe Jo will be so much happier off the boat.

"Her back pain hasn't improved and we feel that no race is worth long term damage."

Speaking to the BBC via Satellite phone on Friday, the skipper said they have a commitment to their sponsors to continue even though they are out of the race.

'Responsible rowers'

"I have crossed an ocean but the other two, Sue McMillan and Clair Mills, have never rowed an ocean before. It is a massive achievement we also have a commitment to our charity Shelter Box," said Ms Kettle.

"We are responsible rowers, " she added.

The crew were aiming to beat the current record of 36 days 59 minutes for the voyage from the Canaries to Antigua.

Sally Kettle, 27, has already made the 3,326-mile journey with her mother.

The Woodvale Atlantic Rowing Race is deemed to be the world's toughest rowing race.