Mansfield transatlantic charity rowers George Nelson and Russ Davis have survived unwanted drama on their three-month, 3,500-mile bid to row unsupported across the ocean in aid of dementia charities.

After believing issues with a solar panel that was not allowing batteries to charge were sorted after the equipment was stripped down and refitted, the Oar Blimey brothers-in-law were hit by a big wave that tipped their Innovation Nottinghamshire Memory Boat onto its side.

George said: “Russ was on deck as we got knocked down by a wave at 2am — left side in the water only, not a full capsize.

“I was sleeping and woke up as I hit the roof and had a face full of fire extinguisher!

“We’re both OK after it though. Continued in big seas and had great fun surfing down 5m waves.

“Going straight to St Maarten now, once we get through the Canaries.”

After that drama they had to redeploy the para-anchor again with the wind against them, before resuming their adventure.

 George and Russ set off on a three-month adventure of a lifetime on 1st December, aiming to row unsupported across the Atlantic Ocean and raise £250,000 for two dementia charities. They will each row for two hours at a time and then rest in between.

The 3,500-mile challenge began in front of a small group of supporters in Portugal and the duo want to reach Sint Maarten in the Caribbean.

Team Oar Blimey are rowing in a Rannoch Adventure R20, which is just 6.5m long and 1.2m wide, in their bid to help Our Dementia Choir with Vicky McClure and Ladybrook Enterprises.

The rowers can be tracked at www.oarblimey.co.uk or download the YB Races app and add their race, “Oar Blimey Atlantic Ocean Challenge 2023”.

To find out more about the rowing challenge or to help support the cause, visit https://oarblimey.co.uk where you can make a donation or find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/oarblimey