A daring 52-mile rowing challenge will launch this weekend, as Wigtown Bay Coastal Rowing Club sets out from the Isle of Whithorn in a traditional wooden St Ayles skiff.
Departing around 6am on Saturday, weather permitting, the crew will be joined at the Point of Ayre by Laxey Coastal Rowing Club before rowing together to Ramsey’s south beach, with an expected arrival around 12pm.
The event celebrates cooperation between the Isle of Man and the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire Biosphere.
Youth representatives from each biosphere have created bespoke flags which will be exchanged on Ramsey Beach.
Following the exchange, the club will return home to deliver the Isle of Man’s flag to the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere team.
Brandon Cain, Biosphere Isle of Man Youth Representative, said “This initiative demonstrates the power of cultural exchange, bringing the Isle of Man Biosphere closer to our biosphere neighbours, Galloway and Southern Ayrshire, crossing our borders where they meet in the Irish Sea.”
Jacqui Keenan, Biosphere Isle of Man Coordinator, added: “We’re really excited to welcome these intrepid rowers to our island biosphere. It’s been brilliant to see the youth representatives from both biospheres working together, underscoring the Isle of Man’s role within a wider network of biosphere reserves across the UK and the globe.”
Proceeds from a GoFundMe page will support the club’s efforts to make rowing accessible, funding training and equipment.