Calne rower Alex Simpson and his three crewmates have set a world record for the fastest crossing of the Indian Ocean in a four-man boat after completing the 3,370 nautical mile journey.

The crew, Fast Row West, completed the journey from Exmouth, Western Australia to Mahe, Seychelles in 71 days, 14 hours and 51 minutes and, with an average age below 23, also became the youngest ever crew to cross an ocean.

Mr Simpson, 22, from Compton Bassett, said: “It was an emotional rollercoaster. The first time we saw land was one of the best feelings I will ever have.

“We experienced the full range of emotions – the ocean is an incredible place to spend 71 days.

“Knowing that giving up was not an option and that the bad times would pass just keeps you going.”

Fast Row West was made up of Alex, Jamie Sparks, 22, Hamish Khayat, 23, Angus Collins, 24.

Alex, Hamish and Jamie met at Harrow School and made contact with Angus through Facebook after hearing about his rowing competition successes.

The crew were originally aiming to reach Port Louis, Mauritius, before being forced to change their route because of concerns about heavy weather and the strain on the boat and equipment.

The change added around 500 miles and roughly 12 days to the journey but the team still managed to bring the boat home in world record time.

Mr Simpson flew out with his crewmates just days after finishing his final exam at Manchester University, where he studied geography.

Having finishing at university, Mr Simpson has said he wants to continue to row but has no definite career plans.

The Fast Row West crew, who are raising money for Enham Trust, a UK charity supporting disabled people to live the lives they choose, received no assistance while on the water.

They took turns to complete two hour shifts of rowing whilst the other pair ate or slept and were burning around 10,000 calories a day.

During the crossing, the crew saw shooting stars light up the sky, hundreds of dolphins, whales and dodged container ships.

So far, the crew, who flew home yesterday, have raised over £22,500 for their charity.