Twins and teachers at an Oxford school were reunited with their boat in which they rowed 3,000 miles across the Atlantic last winter.

Arthur and Euan Friend, who teach at St Edward’s School, took on the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge 2022 in their boat, The Friendship

The Friendship was briefly on display yesterday (March 24) in the quad at St Edward’s as a celebration of their achievement and a source of inspiration for pupils.

The brothers finished in third place out of over 40 teams from around the world leaving La Gomera in the Canary Islands on December 12 and arriving in Nelson’s Dockyard in Antigua on January 14.

Money was raised for three charities close to their hearts: Devon-based charities Drive Forward and the Churches’ Housing Action Team, and Uganda charity Friends of Kiwoko Hospital.

Physics and maths teacher, Arthur Friend said: “If you set a goal and have a dream of something you want to do, set achievable targets and break it in to chunks.

"Rowing an ocean, you can break it down day-by-day, and into two-hour sessions. Rather than setting out to row a whole ocean you focus on the two-hour session ahead.

"That way your big dream can slowly come to fruition.

"The same applies to doing an A’level or GCSE: the whole syllabus might seem unachievable, but if you break it down topic by topic and concentrate on a section at a time you will get there!”

Physics teacher, Euan Friend said: “Looking back, although there were challenging times we had some great experiences along the way, like celebrating New Year’s Eve together in the middle of the Atlantic.

"We had some amazing sunsets, and it was good to be so connected to nature and away from phones and other distractions.

"It was a simple existence: the harder you row, the faster you go!

"I enjoyed the competitive side of the race, and that motivated us along the way, as did raising money for charity.

"I am proud that we came third and raised over £120,000 for charity.”

St Edward’s School has a long and proud tradition of rowing with pupils competing at regional and national races and regattas

The school has also seen individuals selectied to race on the international stage both at U16 and U18 levels.

Captain of boats, Hermione Brewster said: “I think it is a really great example to have set, and what our teachers have accomplished is amazing.

"It is inspiring for us pupils and for the whole St Edward’s Boat Club.”

Captain of boats, Scott Bain said: “Setting ambitious goals and following them through is a really impressive example to follow as we get ready for a summer of races and regattas.”