Wigtown Bay rowers complete one-day open sea challenge to Isle of Man

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.

Mcguire said the variability of the Scottish climate had been an issue for training but 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 ahead of the challenge.

“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.”