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Isle of Wight Mermaids Splash Down As World's Toughest Row Race Begins

The Isle of Wight's Mermaid Atlantic Team has started its epic 3,000-mile rowing race across the Atlantic.

Due to inclement weather, the race organisers had to postpone the start date by a day but at 8.47am today (Wednesday) the team members, all native to the Isle of Wight, got underway.

Xavier Baker, Chris Manion and Paul Berry left the pontoon at La Gomera, Canary Isles in their Rannoch 45 rowing boat bound for Antigua to get the 8-week adventure started.

They are taking part in the 'World’s Toughest Row' to raise awareness of ocean pollution, raising funds for three organisations.

These are Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Surfers Against Sewage and The Seahorse Trust.

The team is rowing alongside 38 other groups who will face 40-foot waves, unpredictable weather conditions, including 35-knot winds, possible Blue Marlin strikes and the physical and mental effects of non-stop rowing for what could be 50 days or more. 
 
The official race app, YB races, will track the teams as they make their journey across the Atlantic.
 
To follow the team's progress you can download the app or view it on a desktop or TV via their website. 

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