Channel Rowers: Successful first stint done, second leg to come

Monday 30 July 2018

A team of rowers from Dartmouth who have made a journey all the way from their home in the UK to Guernsey, are now preparing to set off on their way back.

But because of the sudden decline in the weather, the team have had to delay their return journey until tomorrow [Tuesday], but are still going to forge ahead.

The whole challenge is being undertaken by the Dart Gig Club, who are raising money for the Children's Hospice South West and a new competitive racing Cornish Pilot Gig for their club.

And they are doing so in their boat 'Smudger', a Cornish Pilot Gig - a six oared 32ft long boat, the design of which dates back to the 17th century.

Tara Horwood, a spokesperson for the team, said all had gone well on the first leg, and that she was enjoying "well earned rest" on island over the weekend. 

On Friday they left Dartmouth at 04:00 this morning, and the team was set to arrive in St Peter Port between 18:00 and 20:00, before leaving again at 03:00 on Sunday morning to make the second leg of the journey. They made the decision to delay that until Tuesday to make sure the weather was suitable for the journey.

They are raising money here, and have so far raised £10,846.50, with a target of £15,000.

The hospice they are supporting 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. They provide specialist palliative care, respite for the whole family, a sibling service for brothers and sisters, emergency support, end of life care and a bereavement service for as long as is needed.

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