True Brit grit is what's driving one Dunstable woman to make history as part of the first female trio to row across the Atlantic.

Claire Mills, of Lancot Avenue, is part of Rowgirls.com, who are currently battling whatever Mother Nature throws at them and rowing from the Canary Islands to Antigua. The four left on November 30 aiming to be the first four women to compete the magnificent feat.

But the original quartet was reduced to three on Saturday, when Jo Davies, 27, had to retire from the race due to back problems – leaving behind Sally Kettle, 28, Sue McMillan, 30, and former Queensbury Upper School pupil Claire, 23.

Jo was rescued by the primary support vessel, Aur-ora, almost a week after her original SOS.

The first attempted transfer was cut short after an emergency alert was reported elsewhere, but Jo is now fed and warm and part of the crew watch system.

Because of this they are officially disqualified from the race, but they can still make history for being the first female trio to complete the miles, and the Woodvale Atlantic Rowing Race.

In an internet diary the girls have described the bad luck they have experienced and how they're not going to let it affect their dream.

It reads: "It's been a really difficult few days. Where things can go wrong they have. We've been disqualified from the race but wholeheartedly believe Jo will be so much happier off the boat.

"Sue, Sally and Claire will row their hearts out to get to Antigua. You have all been so supportive so we would very much appreciate your continued support – it's going to be a tough month for us all."

The heavy weather took its toll on the girls, and left them with a broken rudder, water-maker and lost food, but things came to a head at the weekend when the rudder fell off.

But despite the numerous setbacks the girls have vowed to row on and make boating history, if not for the record books then for themselves.

The diary adds: "After a hugely emotional and tearful goodbye, Jo got on the rescue boat and off came a cheese the size of a dinner plate, two packets of tortillas and an iPod charger.

"We have music and cheese sandwiches! We should transfer Rowgirls more often! What a weird, upsetting and strangely exhilarating day. So, what does a good Rowgirl do? She evaluates over a cup of tea, then gets to the oars and battles on."

Claire had been preparing for the race for more than a year after a chance meeting with Rowgirls skipper Sally Kettle, 28. The trio have about 1,133 miles left to row and are currently in 20th position out of 27 other boats.

To keep up to date on their progress visit: www.rowgirls.com