A Lochinver man set to embark on a 3,500-mile journey from New York to his home in Sutherland faces a nervy wait to discover if his DIY boat will arrive in time.
52-year-old Duncan Hutchison flies to the American state on Friday, a week later than initially planned, with the new intention of beginning the mammoth challenge on Sunday May 27.
A hold up with the container ship carrying Mr Hutchison’s boat in France has seen the charity challenge delayed – but the sudden change to the start date hasn’t altered his spirit by any means.
Mr Hutchison said: “I’m looking forward to it. I’m feeling fit and have been preparing for this for the best part of two to three years.
“I was due to start on Sunday but the delay has set me back, but flights are booked for this Friday and the container – which was stuck in France – is due to arrive on the 23rd.
“Really, I just want to get going.”
Inspired by his daughter Franci who spent a year in Malawi working with street children at a rehabilitation centre, seeing first-hand some of the work of WaterAid, Mr Hutchison is seeking to raise £50,000 to aid the charity.
Mr Hutchison said: “We take clean water for granted and I thought it would be really good to do it for WaterAid.”
The volunteer lifeboat man and rope access technician has designed and built the boat himself, basing his design on a four man racing skiff hull design. The self-built 23ft boat has been constructed from marine plywood costing Mr Hutchison over £10,000 of his own money.
Marcus Missen, director of fundraising and communications at WaterAid, said: “We are grateful for Duncan’s fantastic support in helping us in our mission to ensure everyone, everywhere, is given access to clean water and safe toilets.
“We wish Duncan the very best of luck on his Atlantic adventure.”
The challenge is estimated to take 90 to 100 days with the only other potential delays being at the mercy of the ever changing weather. The solo navigation across the Atlantic Ocean will see Mr Hutchison operate on a two hour on, two hour off rota with the aim of rowing for 12 hours each day.
Live tracking and information on how to donate is available at www.duncanadrift.com.
