This 72-Year-Old Man Just Became the Oldest Person to Row Solo Across the Atlantic

The Brit’s expertise was challenged during this attempt as powerful winds sent him six miles off the coast of Antigua, resulting in him needing to be towed to shore by authorities. After discussion, Guinness World Records adjudicators confirmed that he would receive the award for the oldest person to row any ocean solo. Since this was Walters’ fifth journey across the Atlantic, he was also awarded the title of the oldest person to row the same ocean multiple times, and the oldest person to row the Atlantic solo.

“I’m disappointed that I ended up being towed right at the end but it was the right thing to do, especially now I know I have got my world record,” Walters told The Guardian. “As I was at such a critical point, I had to face the fact that if I didn’t take up the offer of assistance then I would miss Antigua.”

Before setting off, Walters set up a fundraiser with a goal to raise 500 British pounds (around $628) which he planned to donate to Help for Heroes, an organization that benefits the wounded Armed Forces. He has now surpassed the target by almost 600 percent, raising a total of 2,976 pounds ($3,737).

Photo: Gulliver Johnson

As he arrived at Antigua, the sailor was handed a face mask, a bottle of hand sanitizer, and informed about the global pandemic that unfolded while he was at sea. He is currently staying in Antigua until he can get a flight back home. “It’s like I have been in a bubble and have now woken up in an alternative universe,” he said, adding that he doesn’t mind wearing the face mask, but he was hoping for a hug or a pat on the back as he disembarked.

For his first meal on land, the legendary record-holder ordered a burger and chips, paired with a bottle of Veuve Clicquot.