Wick RNLI crew to row 2000 nautical miles unaided around mainland UK for charity

The crew members who between them have over 35 years of RNLI sea going service plan to depart from Wick on or around Monday 27 May. The fundraising challenge could take anywhere from 60 or more days, depending on the weather and sea conditions. 

They are calling the world record challenge, Stormy and Steth: The Long Row Home. The pair are planning to row in two-hour cycles whilst giving the other time to eat and rest. 

Allan and Mhairi are aiming to complete this challenge without any support, therefore the moment they set off from Wick they do not plan to come ashore or receive any support. But they will still be able to communicate through their VHS radios, satellite communications and mobile phone. 

Allan is coxswain mechanic at Wick RNLI, where they operate all-weather Trent class lifeboat, Roy Barker II. 

While at sea the coxswain mechanic has the important role of commanding the lifeboat and is responsible for ensuring the equipment is running safely. Allan has to comply with international, national and local maritime standards, as well as RNLI policies and procedures. In addition, he supports the Lifeboat Operations Manager with operational readiness and with the responsibility for the management and welfare of the volunteers at Wick RNLI. 

Mhairi is a paramedic based at Wick Ambulance Station and volunteer crew member at Wick RNLI. They both have taken up to three months unpaid leave to complete their challenge. 

The team will be completely self-sufficient using their 7-metre rowing boat, where they can produce their own water with the desalination unit for turning salt water into fresh water and will be bringing freeze dried expedition meals to eat. The pair train almost every day and regularly row on the boat in preparation for the challenge. 

What's more, the team have set themselves the ambitious goal of raising £30,000, which will be split between the RNLI and Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance. 

Allan Lipp, Coxswain Mechanic at Wick RNLI says:

‘It’s scary but exciting, the proximity to land brings a lot more risk as we’ll be at the mercy of the weather and tides a lot more. But Mhairi and I train almost every day, and we try to get out and practice rowing on the boat often. 

‘We’re confident in the boat, it’s been across the Atlantic twice previously and was built by Rannoch Adventure who are the industry leaders in ocean rowing. And of course, we’re looking forward to helping out the two charities.’ 

Mhairi Ross said she was motivated to attempt the row after a nightmare year when she lost her mum and aunt and was also hospitalised.

She says: “2021 was a pretty tough year - I lost my Mum at 70 and three months later my Aunt at 61. My resilience tank started running on dry and I hit rock bottom.

“Just when we thought I was getting better I was hospitalised on Hogmanay with pneumonia and sepsis, which left me barely able to walk the length of myself.”