A WYE rower and her middle-aged women’s crew lit flares as they celebrated rowing into the record books by crossing the Atlantic yesterday.

Monmouth Rowing Club member Elaine Theaker, 54, and her Shropshire crewmates Di Carrington, 62, and Sharon Magrath, 55, survived two capsizes in the last 24 hours to complete their epic three million-stroke row by paddling into harbour in darkness in Antigua yesterday (Tuesday).

The trio took 60 days 18 hours and 34 minutes to complete the 2,700-mile row, and are the oldest women’s crew and the first all female threesome to achieve the feat, while Carrington became the oldest woman to ever row the Atlantic.

With Elaine being the only experienced rower, they began their training in 2016 on the Wye at Monmouth, and now their amazing feat is set to be turned into a musical play, Atlantic Ladies, with its first performance this summer.

Delighted Monmouth RC chairwoman Helen Tilley, who rows with mum-of-one Elaine on the Wye, said: "It’s really, really awesome. Having capsized twice in the last 24 hours, and showing such amazing grit and determination. Well done from all at MRC. We are truly proud of you."

The Talisker Whisky Atlantic rowing race organisers added: "They have overcome so much during the 60 days at sea, proving to themselves and women around the world that age is truly just a number.

"Big congratulations to these amazing women, the first trio of ladies to take on the Atlantic Ocean."

They have endured "waves the size of tower blocks" crashing down with "the force of a train" since they left the Canary Islands in mid-December, as well as beautiful sunsets and visits from whales and dolphins, and flying fish jumping into their self-righting 27ft long boat Poppy.

Tired and dishevelled, the trio were greeted on dry land by family and friends and said although the journey had been magical it had also be filled with "moments of fear and terror".

Angie Norman, who helped support them, said: “It has been a remarkable journey for them and a real, real baptism of fire. They have spent 61 days and 60 nights on board.”

The trio set off from San Sebastian de La Gomera on December 14, rowing more than three million strokes in shifts of two hours on, two hours off, and raising more than £12,000 to split between the Alzheimers Society, the Motor Neurone Disease Association and Relapsing Polychrondritis UK.

But nearing the finish, Sharon was almost swept overboard, saved only by her harness and the quick thinking actions of her fellow crew mates.

Solar panels have given them power and water purifiers mean they have had access to a clean drink from the sea, while a small supply of gin and tonic along with a couple of bottles of Prosecco kept spirits high.

Meanwhile playwright Chris Eldon Lee has begun work on Atlantic Ladies – The Musical Play in tribute to them.

Lawyer Elaine, wife of Steve and mother of Che, only took up rowing seven years ago when she took part in a learn-to-row course at Monmouth RC.

For more information, see www.facebook.com/fourladiesrowatlantic and atlanticladies.co