A Radio Scilly presenter has begun a challenge of a lifetime by aiming to row the 3100 miles across the Atlantic from New York to the Isles of Scilly in 55 days or less.
Tim Garrett, who presents the community radio station's islands' sports programme, is one of a team of four men from Scilly taking up the challenge. The men set off yesterday morning (1st June) from beneath the Statue Of Liberty.
Tim is providing regular reports on the progress to his radio station using a satellite phone. Radio Scilly has arranged for a private phone line and software that will automatically record any messages day or night for later broadcast and for uploading to the radio station website.
The men will be sleeping for two hours then rowing for two hours throughout the crossing so Radio Scilly felt it was better to find a way to let them automatically record their messages for friends and family back home.
Managing Director of Radio Scilly Keri Jones says they wish the boys well: "Everybody in our community is backing the boys in their record-breaking attempt. We're pleased to be able to do our small part to keep islanders updated on the boys' progress and we look forward to covering the preparations for a massive party to celebrate their return."
They are completing the challenge in a 29th foot boat to raise money for the RNLI, Breakthrough breast Cancer, Bristol's special care baby unit and the local air ambulance. They cannot accept food, drink or aid from any passing vessel during the crossing.
