Rowers will be setting off for the 142 mile round trip to Guernsey on Friday.

Rowers from Dart Pilot Gig Club set off early on Friday, July 27, for their epic challenge to row to Guernsey and back, aiming to return in the early evening on Sunday, July 29.

The rowing team is taking one gig accompanied by support boats and the crews will alternate every two hours on the challenging trip to Guernsey. 

The rowers predict the journey will take them about 16 hours, when they will arrive into North Guernsey and spend Saturday night on the Island. 

Leaving at about 2am from St Peter Port in Guernsey on Sunday morning, the rowers hope to return to Dartmouth in the early evening, perhaps around 6pm. 

Anyone with a boat is encouraged to join all the supporters in escorting the rowers from the mouth of the River Dart into the Harbour where they will greeted by many supporters. 

Hopefully another gig will also be towed out to the mouth of the river to ensure both teams row the final leg.

This challenge is raising money for Children’s Hospice South West and the Dart Pilot Gig Club which is trying to fund a new competitive racing Cornish Pilot Gig. The aim is to raise £15,000.

The Dart Pilot Gig Club offers rowing on the River Dart in six oared gigs for the community of Dartmouth and the surrounding villages. 

Although the boats have a long lifespan, the race boats need to be replaced every five years to remain competitive and a new gig built from elm costs approximately £25,000.

The hospice is dedicated to making the most of short and precious lives through the provision of the best possible hospice care for children and young people with life-limiting conditions. 

The team of rowers and coxes include Liam Hassard, Michael Bryant-Mole, Tara Harwood, Matthew Bennett, Bev Worthington, Sandra Dring, Lance Worthington, Ian McMasters, Danny Chivers, Will Atkins, James Agates, Cara Bennellick, Tess Preston, Rupert Kempley, Chris Gale, Nic Butler, Helen Watson, Stan Bray, Phil Green, Crispin Brabner, Alison Bland and Dave Sharam.

Other helpers include Owen Malia, Peta Chivers, Bob Llyod, Katie Lillington, Laura Robertson and Sue Tweed. In addition the chairman of the gig club, Liz Mosely will be involved in the event and a support physiotherapist, Nicky Lewis.