After numerous delays resulting in his epic charity challenge being postponed by nearly two weeks, Duncan Hutchison has finally set off on his voyage home – from New York.
The volunteer lifeboat man has embarked on a 3,500-mile solo row across the Atlantic from New York to his home at Lochinver on the Sutherland coast.
Mr Hutchison estimates the crossing will take between 90 and 100 days.
Highlander’s ambition to sail New York to Lochinver faces delays
Through an online update, Mr Hutchison said on Wednesday: “Too late to get boat today, hope to pick up in the morning and head off two hours after high water 12.30pm Thursday (5.30pm UK time), as have a two-day window to get clear of the coast with a bit of weather after that, so want to get going.”
More recent pictures showed him setting off, with the Statue of Liberty in the background, late on Thursday our time.
The 52-year-old had been due to start on May 20, but a hold-up of the freighter carrying his self-built boat in France resulted in him delaying the challenge’s start date.
Speaking prior to leaving for the start line in New York, 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.”
The rope access technician has committed more than £10,000 of his own money towards building his boat, named Sleipner after the eight-legged horse from Norse mythology that was said to be able to glide across the sea. The challenge is raising cash for WaterAid.