Veteran crew takes marathon rowing challenge in hand-built boat

A team of eight veteran rowers is attempting an open-sea crossing from the south of Scotland to the Isle of Man and back in a single day.

Members of the Wigtown Bay Coastal Rowing Club (WBCRC) - all at least in their 40s - hope to complete the round trip from the Isle of Whithorn in their hand-built boat, Ninian.

An initial departure planned for March and another earlier this month had to be postponed because of poor weather conditions for the 26-mile (42km) each-way challenge.

The team now plans to set off on Saturday in its bid to raise funds and the profile of the rowing club.

John McGuire, WBCRC chairman, has more than 30 years of experience at sea in the area and said the variability of the Scottish climate had been an issue for training.

"The weather's been up and down so much," he said.

"You can look at it one day and it says one thing, then the next day it says something completely different."

Despite the conditions, he said the team had not been discouraged.

"They've been rowing in some pretty horrific conditions, higher winds than they'll encounter on the crossing, and we've slowly been increasing the distance and the time in the boat," he said.

"Other clubs were cancelling sessions, but they were still out in the wind, hail and rain.

"You've really got to take your hat off to them for the commitment they've shown."

He said they hoped the effort could encourage others to give it a try as well as raise much-needed funds.

"Our youngest rowers are in their 40s and the majority are a bit older," he said.

"If these ladies and gents can do it, there's no reason why other people can't."

The rowers will be split into two groups of four, with one crew completing the outward leg and the other the return journey.

While not rowing, crew members will rest aboard two accompanying yachts which will travel alongside the main boat.

Safety support will also be provided by a rigid inflatable boat operated by Newton Stewart Sub Aqua Club.

The support vessels will remain in close contact throughout the crossing and are crewed by experienced team members.

Organisers said the flotilla had been planned to ensure assistance was available in the event of changing sea conditions or reduced visibility.

Forecasts are being monitored closely using a range of sources, including the Met Office, but it looks like there will be fair weather for the challenge.

The team is aiming to complete the crossing in about six hours each way, depending on conditions.

If successful, it would mark one of the longest open water rows attempted by the club to date.