TWO friends are set to smash a world record as they power on through the final straight of their 3,000 mile journey across the Atlantic Ocean.

Jemma Rix and Lauren Woodwiss, known as team Whale of a Time, have been taking part in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge.

They are covering the distance from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua.

They took to the seas on December 12 and are due to finish the challenge in Antigua at some point tomorrow morning.

If successful, it means they would have beaten the world record of 50 days for a female pair to cross from east to west.

They are due to complete the challenge in 49 days and 18 hours - making it the tightest of calls.

Their original estimated time of arrival was February 11, meaning they have made huge progress.

Jemma, 30, from Great Horkesley, and friend Lauren are one of 28 teams completing the challenge.

Jemma celebrated her birthday at sea, and the pair also spent Christmas together eating a dehydrated turkey dinner.

In their latest blog post they said: “At the end of week five disaster struck. The portable cabin fan finally decided it was time to give up the ghost.

“Sure, this may not sound like the biggest disaster in the world, but as a result our cabin has now taken on a whole new level of pain.

“Now unbearable in the day time, we’ve instead taken to lying on the deck covered in a damp sheet, in a bid to combat the daytime heat.”

One of the things the ladies enjoy most about the trip is their closeness to nature.

They said: “On a more positive note, the wildlife sightings have returned.

“Throughout the course of our crossing, Jemma has been desperate to see a turtle, and we got lucky.

“Unfortunately for Jemma, in all of her excitement, she stood up so quickly that the rowing seat rolled away from her, tripping her up and landing her straight on her back.”

They have faced thunderstorms and harsh winds, but are now enjoying the sun for the final stretch.

They said: “Thankfully we’ve also now had a bit of an upturn in the weather and faster conditions have returned.

“We’re hopeful the conditions will stick around long enough for us to make our final push to the finish line.

“Inevitably, our minds now keep wandering towards the moment we reach Antigua - we have daily conversations about fresh food, a few cocktails and a proper night’s sleep.

“With Haribo and Cadbury’s supplies running low, that finish line is now more needed than ever.”

The pair are raising money for Cancer Research UK, Fair Share which fights hunger, and The Mintridge Foundation.

They have already raised an astonishing £22,000.

To donate visit https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/whaleofatimerow.