THE two Idle friends rowing the Atlantic have passed the 1,000 nautical mile mark in their efforts for the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge.

Chris Nicholl and James Tordoff had covered 1,087 nautical miles by noon on Tuesday, rowing about 60 miles a day, as they approach the end of the third week of the race.

The Hell Oar High Water duo have 1,641 miles to go and are currently forecast to arrive in Antigua on February 3 having left La Gomera in the Canary Islands on December 12.

They celebrated Christmas in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean complete with Santa hats and a special menu.

They have been sent many messages of support from back home including video messages from those who took part in the Horton Park Parkrun on Christmas Day and from Joe Wicks, The Body Coach.

He said: "I wish you a happy Christmas. Congratulations on your efforts, it's incredible what you are doing.Keep it up boys. Stay safe and be proud of your achievement.

"What an amazing thing to do. Good luck boys."

The pair's support team reported that they had spoken to them and they were in good Christmas spirits.They are currently in third place in the pairs section and 19th overall.

The team support posted on Facebook: "The boys are consistently maintaining their fantastic position. They are pushing every single day - roll on new year!

"Thanks again for all your festive wishes of love and support - it means so much."

The pair are raising money for three charities, Centrepoint UK, the Bradford Teaching Hospital's charity and the Ben automotive charity. Donations can be made at Hell Oar High Water's Virgin Money Giving page.

The race safety officer Ian Couch reported on Sunday: "The fleet is in good shape and spreading out as the faster crews push for the win.

"Each of these crews have their own challenges, struggles and victories and that the value of each row is no lesser than the other. One of the great things about this adventure is that it is such a personal challenge, the main competitor is yourself.

"Since the last update all the crews have been spoken with numerous times and there are no significant issues to report.

"Despite some persistent nausea the fleet are in good condition. There are sore bums, a few blisters, sore heels, a knee infection and an eye infection but the race doctor is talking to all those rowers and using the med kits they have on board to treat them.

"It is to be expected that these relatively minor but unpleasant conditions crop up when rowers are fatigued and run down and hygiene hard to maintain so families and loved ones can rest assured that the rowers are being looked after.

"The weather has been the most significant feature since the last report. Crews, especially those in the North who risked a shorter route found themselves in slow conditions and eventually light headwinds. Conditions have not been ferocious but just enough to force some crews to deploy the para anchor.

"Today conditions are improving and most boats will be making better progress. We are discussing detailed forecasts as often as the crews want it and in general terms the winds will improve in speed and direction though more lulls are expected.

"There are an increasing number of wildlife reports of orca, whales, dolphins and sea turtles which is one of the privileges of being at sea.

"One of the great things about being Duty Officer is to hear how crews adapt and come to appreciate the simple hardship of this challenge. It is not just rowing, it is overcoming adversity - personal doubt, physical discomfort, weather, technical problems. To hear crews talk with real emotion about the simple joy of being in the ocean away from all normal life, the privilege of seeing wildlife on its own terms and the appreciation of simple things like drinking water is a great thing.

"All the crews are doing well, each rowing their own race, facing similar and different challenges. As we approach 3 weeks in they are tired and sometimes the finish will seem achievable and at other times a life time away. This is no sprint and not even a marathon but a long arduous, incredible and life changing experience. The crews are certainly getting all this race offers."