A SALISBURY father and two sons smashed a world record as part of their 3,000 mile charity row across the Atlantic Ocean.

James Trafford, aged 59, and his two sons, Hugo, 22, and Joe, 18, known as the Transatlantic Traffords, began the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge on December 12, and arrived in Antigua last Wednesday (January 23).

By completing the feat with 41 days at sea, the Traffords broke the former world record of crossing the ocean as a trio by eight days, and James said it felt "amazing" to complete the challenge.

He added it was a "special moment" when they realised with 1,000 miles left the world record was in sight.

READ: Salisbury director to tackle one of the world's highest mountains >>>

The row began in La Gomera in the Canary Islands, and the trio rowed in two-hour shifts day and night, including through Christmas and New Year's Day.

James said the trio felt "a bit wobbly" when back on land, adding: "There were so many highs and lows, but when we were told that good weather was coming and then the forecast turned out to be wrong and we were heading back into bad weather, psychologically, that was really hard."

A personal highlight for geography graduate Hugo was the wildlife that could be spotted a few feet from the boat throughout the trip.

He added: "The arrival into Nelson's Dockyard was incredible, 150 people [were] lined up along the dock welcoming us in cheering, [and] also all the superyachts blew their horns to welcome us in. Seeing our family again was pretty special too."

Hugo said deadling with the weather, including 40ft waves, and the rowing rota were the hardest parts of the challenge, adding: "This rota [was] absolutely exhausting and sleep deprivation takes it out of you.

"In that one hour off, not only do you try to sleep but you have to wash and eat, so often you only get 35-40 minutes sleep in the hour off. Also it was often too hot to sleep during the day."

The race was in aid of St Christopher’s Hospice, and so far the family has raised more than £190,000 through their donations page, that will support a learning hub being built in Sydenham.

Sean O’Leary, joint chief executive at St Christopher’s Hospice, said: “We cannot thank James, Hugo and Joe enough for their enormous effort, which has raised such a tremendous amount of money for the hospice.

"St Christopher’s helps people live their lives to the full, even at the end of life, and the Trafford family contribution will help ensure that we can share our experience and expertise even further through our education programmes.”

James added: "It’s really great to see everyone, especially our family, and we’re proud of the money we’ve managed to raise for the hospice.”

For more information about the challenge and to donate towards the trio's £250,000 target, visit the Transatlantic Traffords website.