Five international athletes have completed the first of the Polar Row’s two rows, shattering the previous Arctic Ocean speed record. This achievement makes the world’s fastest ocean rower, Fiann Paul, the first person in history to row four oceans.

This first leg of the expedition departed Tromsø, Norway, July 20, and the team rowed across the Barents Sea, encountering strong currents and prevailing headwinds, and arrived in Hornsund, Svalbard on July 27.

The crew averaged 2.58 kt. during this first leg, which is roughly 3.5 times faster than the previous record for the Arctic Ocean. This average speed is also higher than the current overall speed record for the Pacific Ocean.

The second leg is due to depart during the middle of next week from Longyearbyen, Svalbard after a crew change. The team will be heading to Siglufjordur, Iceland, and the row will last roughly 22 days.

Learn more at www.polarrow.com.