A Penticton woman can now claim the title of winner of the World鈥檚 Toughest Row.

On Saturday Jan. 20, at 23:31 local time, Chantale B茅gin (Palm Harbour, Florida, USA), Lauren Shea (Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA), Noelle Helder (Penticton, BC, Canada) and Isabelle C玫t茅 (Belcarra, Canada) crossed the finish line in English Harbour, Antigua after 38 days, covering 3,000 miles of Atlantic ocean, claiming victory of the women鈥檚 class of the World鈥檚 Toughest Row 2023.

Family, friends and loved ones from all parts of the US and Canada gathered together at Nelson鈥檚 Dockyard, elated to see their heroines after such a long yet successful campaign.

When asked about the feeling when rowing into the harbour Helder said, 鈥渙verwhelming, exciting and ready for the trophy.鈥�

Team Salty Science have known each other for some time, three generations of education and knowledge.

鈥淓veryone was focused on the race. We set out and winning was not the goal initially. we sat out to come across safely, have a good time doing it and number three was to row as fast as we could and I think we really held through to that, so I鈥檓 really happy about that,鈥� said B茅gin.

Team Salty Science was neck and neck with the UK team There She Rows throughout making for an exciting race.

The victory was not easy to say the least, said Team Salty Science. They faced many tough obstacles along the way including tedious water-maker repairs. Thanks to their grit and determination, this unit of skillful women were able to preserve triumphantly, said a press release.

Team Salty Science have been raising money and awareness for the charities Bamfield Marine Science Centre, Green Wave and Shellback Expeditions.

The World鈥檚 Toughest Row 鈥� Atlantic is an annual ocean rowing race that spans approximately 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean. Starting in La Gomera, the Canary Islands it finishes in Antigua, Caribbean.