Old boys pipe up for Atlantic crossing on makeshift raft

A PAIR of former Harrogate school boys have set off on an epic journey to cross the Atlantic Ocean on a raft constructed of plastic water pipes.

David Hildred, 57, and Andrew Bainbridge, 56, who were both pupils at Ashville College, are part of a four-man crew attempting to sail and row the makeshift vessel 2,800 miles, from La Gomera, in the Canaries, to the Bahamas.

And the pair, who began their love of exploring with camping trips to the Dales in the 1970s, are being followed every step of the way by a new generation of youngsters at the school.

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Ashville Junior School headteacher Jonathan Dolman said: "This is truly an epic adventure, and we will be keenly monitoring their progress.

"Hopefully their exploits will inspire some of the current pupils to become adventurers themselves."

The pupils are plotting the journey on a chart and also plan to send regular emails to the crew for updates on their progress. They are also going to make a raft and sail it in the school's swimming pool.

The epic crossing is expected to take around 70 days. The raft comprises four 40ft long main pipes and is equipped with state-of-the-art navigation and communications powered by solar panels.

The crew will sleep in two wood and corrugated metal shelters.