Wick RNLI crew on 2000-mile world record challenge
TWO crew members from Wick RNLI, Allan Lipp and Mhairi Ross, are attempting to be the first mixed pair to circumnavigate the mainland UK unsupported, while raising funds for the RNLI and Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance.
Allan and Mhairi, who between them have more than 35 years of RNLI sea-going service, left Wick on June 1 and, at the time of writing, had reached the south coast where they were anchored in Newtown Creek on the Isle of Wight waiting for wind speeds to reduce.
Their world record challenge has been named ‘Stormy and Steth: the Long Row Home’, with the pair rowing in two-hour cycles while giving the other time to eat and rest. Allan is coxswain mechanic at Wick RNLI, where they operate an all-weather Trent class lifeboat, Roy Barker II.
While at sea the coxswain mechanic has the important role of commanding the lifeboat and ensuring all equipment is running safely, complying with international, national and local maritime standards, as well as RNLI policies and procedures. Allan also supports the lifeboat operations manager with operational readiness and the management and welfare of the volunteers at Wick RNLI.
Mhairi is a paramedic based at Wick Ambulance Station and volunteer crew at Wick RNLI. They’ve both taken three months’ unpaid leave to complete the challenge.
To qualify as an unassisted circumnavigation, Allan and Mhairi can’t touch land or receive any support during their challenge. They’ll be completely self-sufficient on their seven-metre rowing boat Boudicea, with a desalination unit to turn salt water into fresh, and dried expedition meals to eat.
The pair have set themselves the ambitious goal of raising £30,000, which will be split between the RNLI and Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance. Follow the pair’s progress and donate from www.thelongrowhome.co.uk
