After a gruelling three month ocean journey featuring dolphins, flying fish and even sharks, two Folkestone businessmen are expected to make landfall in the Caribbean this week.

Ricky Reina and John Wilson's epic row from Spain to Antigua across the North Atlantic Ocean is set to end in the next few days, after more than 12 weeks on water tackling the infamous Columbus Route.

The duo, known as the Atlantic Avengers, have been rowing 3800 nautical miles to try and achieve the voyage in under three months, as well as attempting other records along the way.

The challenge itself has never been achieved by two men.

The pair, who currently hold the record for the world’s indoor longest continual row, are hoping to raise thousands of pounds for two youth charities along the way - Clic Sargent and the Shepway Sports Trust.

Before they set off, Mr Reina, 47, who owns the Reina Group, said: "We are trying to achieve something amazing and to make a real difference in the lives of people less fortunate."

Mr Wilson, who's 57 and a self-employed electrician, said: "Throughout our lives we have been helped, mentored and supported by many people and it is now time for us to give back.

"We have chosen charities close to our hearts and minds, all who provide, support, inspiration and a sense of community to a great many deserving young people."

They departed from Spain on Tuesday, November 27 2018 and have been mostly rowing two hours on, two hours off, for 24 hours a day, seven days a week, while battling the elements.

Their support team told KentOnline that the first four weeks of the challenge was tough - with 50 ft waves, storms and northern currents pushing them off course.

They had no power for navigation, communication and water due to no sun to charge their solar panels. They faced difficulty as they had to row one-on-one and not together, slowing their progress. They also spent five hours a day operating a water pump for their supplies.

At one stage, a family of dolphins followed the boat for a week making their solitary days more bearable. But the dolphins disappeared when a large 10ft shark swam under the boat for three days.

The say highlights have been the 'stunning sunsets and shooting stars'.

Mr Wilson and Mr Reina are due to arrive in Antigua on either February 22 or 23 and their families are flying to out to welcome them.

See the team's latest Tweet below

In addition, they have been collecting data from the surface and under the Atlantic Ocean, working in collaboration with the International Doctoral School in Sea Studies, EIDEMAR in Spain to support Professor Fidel Echevarría's in his studies on the impact of plastics in the ocean.

It is estimated that every year, over 12.5 million tonnes of plastic end up in oceans, killing marine life and ending back up in the seafood humans eat.

By raising awareness collecting data, they hope they can in some way help governments and corporations around the world tackle issues associated with plastic.

Donations to their row can be made on the Atlantic Avengers’ website, www.atlanticavengers.com