They've Made It !!!!

At 17:39 Local Time (20:39 GMT) Ben & Orlando crossed the finish line in Antigua, to complete the 2007 Atlantic Row Challenge

So, what did YOU do for Christmas 2007?

With the extreme rigors placed on today's Royal Marines, two of them came upon a great idea to get away from it all for a well-earned rest. They rowed the Atlantic Ocean!!

Pictured above, Lieutenant Orlando Rogers (left) and Captain Ben Gaffney (right), both currently serving at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM), Lympstone, Devon. Some of you may recognise Orlando, as he was the Troop Commander of 924 Troop, featured on the recent ITV mini-series documentary 'Commando: On The Front Line'.

A typical day in the office for the last 2 months!

They set off from the Canary Islands on December 2nd, destination English Harbour, Antigua. This 3,000-mile epic takes on average 55-60 days to complete, and is the longest endurance race on earth.

Still in High Spirits: Ben & Orlando performing their daily beard check

The guys hoped to challenge the record crossing, of around 40 days, but the Atlantic weather and sea conditions had other ideas. This in no-way
detracts from this amazing achievement, and bid to raise funds for the
Royal Marines Benevolent Trust.

One for the ladies: Orlando goes Commando & Ben does the GQ pose (nice lats!)
"sponsored by Crocs & Helly Hansen"

JK Max ensured that Orlando & Ben set off with a more-than-full compliment of Pains-Wessex Distress Flares; a Lowrance LDT-3200 water temperature guage, for finding the best possible currents; a back-up handheld GPS; plus full-functioning McMurdo EPIRB, and a McMurdo Fastfind PLB each.

Daily routine: above AND below the water

(These pictures by kind permission of Julia Rogers, Orlando's mum)

Click on any of the "ROW COMMANDO" images on this page to take a look their site.

There are some fantastic entries on their blog-site from friends, family, colleagues and well-wishers. If you fancy a laugh and a great insight into military humour, check it out. Even add your own comments to congratulate them.

There's also an opportunity for you to make a charity donation via the "just giving" website. Set in your mind what these guys have just done, and please make a donation, however small. Thank you!