Allan Lipp and Mhairi Ross (aka Stormy & Steth) set off from Wick in June 2024, aiming to become the first mixed pairs rowing team to circumnavigate the Great British coastline, unsupported. Over the next 80 days, this resilient couple battled constant wet and windy conditions in their R15, Boudicea (fondly nicknamed Boudie).

Last week, in the beautiful coastal town of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, Allan and Mhairi stepped onto land, just 200nm short of their final destination. Storm Lilian and it's 70mph winds forced them to 'pause' their row. One place you really don't want to be during a violent onshore storm is the west coast of Scotland. We fully supported their decision to halt their rowing in light of the weather but know they will return to finish the row in due course.

We have nothing but total respect for Allan and Mhairi and what they have achieved. The frustrations and disappointments they have endured such as waiting for tides to turn and storms to disperse, seeing land but not being able to step onto it, hoping for tailwinds and only getting headwinds - this all makes for a psychological and physical challenge like no other.

Whilst out at sea, Allan and Mhairi have raised over £47,000 for the RNLI - an incredible feat and one they can be very proud of. As they both return to their jobs and volunteer work on the Wick Lifeboat "Roy Barker 1420", we would like to say how impressed we have been with their seamanship skills, positivity, patience and tenacity over the past few weeks and it's been a pleasure supporting the expedition strategically from the shore.

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