HMS Sultan rowers smash over fifties World record

A group of elite rowers set a new World record recently after completing an incredible challenge at HMS Sultan.

Nine men in their fifties rowed 100km in just 4 hours 40minutes and 25.5 seconds to smash the previous Concept2 Indoor Rowing World Record  for a 50-59 small team set by ten rowers from Denmark in 2015 by over 14 minutes.

The team consisted of four military men, with two from HMS Sultan, and five civilians including former German shot putter Dirk Moller and former GB javelin thrower Mark Roberson.

With a time of 4 hours 54 minutes and 49.5 seconds to beat and only nine men to do it, the team set themselves a target of completing stages of 80 reps each with three minute intervals for rest. 

As each rep ate some of the required distance, the team pushed forward through the inevitable burn, buoyed by free sports massages provided throughout by a local physio, the team pushed on to achieve a new world record of 4:40:25.5

Team member, Chief Petty Officer Collin Leiba said: “This is a colossal achievement, made by arguably the greatest collection of 50+ Indoor Rowers ever assembled.

“The respect between the team and everyone’s calm disposition and ferocious drive ensured tidy sequences and impressive sprinting. We’ve managed to produce a World record that’s likely to stand for some considerable time.”

“Our thanks go to HMS Sultan for hosting the event and to CMP Embroidery and DDB Physiotherapy Clinic for providing T-Shirts and vital sports massages before during and after the event.”

The event also raised several hundred pounds for Macmillan Cancer Research.