‘Rollercoaster of emotions’ as Wick’s round-Britain rowers pass halfway point
Allan Lipp and Mhairi Ross have passed the halfway point on their round-Britain rowing challenge – and have spoken of the “rollercoaster of emotions” they’ve experienced so far.
The Wick couple have encountered some unseasonal and difficult weather and sea conditions but have pushed on whenever possible and are now heading up the west coast after passing Land’s End on day 52 of the epic journey.
Allan and Mhairi are aiming to become the first mixed pair to complete an unsupported circumnavigation of the British mainland by rowing boat.
Throughout their trip of approximately 2000 nautical miles – called Stormy and Steth: The Long Row Home – they have not touched land or accepted any provisions. Their seven-metre carbon-fibre vessel Boudicea is stocked with dehydrated food and a desalination unit for drinking water.
The couple have had to take shelter and drop anchor, and sit out the weather, for more time than they ever imagined but say they have been boosted by the “phenomenal support” they are receiving.
They have set a fundraising target of £30,000, to be divided between the RNLI and Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance. The amount raised on their JustGiving page stood at just over £25,000 by Thursday morning.
Allan (45) and Mhairi (47) have more than 35 years of RNLI seagoing service between them. Allan is a full-time coxswain on the Wick lifeboat and Mhairi, a paramedic with the Scottish Ambulance Service, also volunteers as a navigator with the RNLI.
They have taken up to three months’ unpaid leave for their round-Britain adventure,
Before setting off from Wick harbour on June 1, they were hoping it would take them about 60 days to complete the adventure.
Allan said: “We are delighted to have passed the halfway point. The journey has been a rollercoaster of emotions, but the unwavering and phenomenal support we’ve received keeps us going.”
Mhairi said: “Knowing that we have conquered half of the journey is amazing. The support from friends, family and everyone following us has kept us going during the toughest of times – and meeting so many wonderful people along the way has been truly heartwarming.”
Supporters can follow The Long Row Home via regular blog posts on their social media, a podcast and a live tracker on their website.
Frances Beveridge, RNLI community manager for north Scotland, said: “We’re incredibly proud and grateful to Allan and Mhairi for taking on this challenge for the RNLI in its 200th year.
“The funds they raise will help to support our lifesaving work across the UK and Ireland at our 236 lifeboat stations and 238 lifeguarded beaches.
“Allan and Mhairi display so many of our core values, including courage and selflessness, and represent the volunteers at the heart of our organisation – ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
“On behalf of the RNLI, I can’t thank Allan and Mhairi enough for their courage and selflessness, along with all their supporters, including Boralex, the gold sponsor of the Long Row Home.”
