A TEAM of Speedo-clad rowers are today setting off on a 2,500 mile venture to raise funds for charity.

Steen Stones, Mark Green, Sean Leddy, Gary Cure, Simon White and Mark Vidler will set off from Boscombe Pier as they begin an epic expedition that will see them row 4,000 kilometres around the UK over three months.

And they hope to set a new Guinness World Record for rowing the oldest Australian Surf Boat along the British coastline.

The group, which includes teachers, a writer and a beach ranger, is aiming to raise £100,000 for their chosen charities - the Wessex Cancer Trust and the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund.

Steen Stones, aged 30, ex-commando and crew member, said: “It all started over a few beers. Fast forward to today and suddenly the four of us are facing the challenge of a lifetime. We’ve jacked in our jobs to row 2,500 miles around the UK; leaving loved ones behind for three months, but what a challenge.”

He added: “I am rowing for all those men who put their lives at risk in the Royal Marines serving in hostile environments all over the world, and for the men and families of those who didn’t make it back.

“I also row for Wessex Charity Trust to help all those that are affected, cancer affects us all in some way."

Fresh from six months training and with a surfboat that has undergone extensive restoration by local craftsmen, the team aim to complete the row in 100 days, calling at 90 ports, and covering around 25 to 30 miles a day.

The challenge will be the first ever attempt to row UK waters in a converted open water surf boat.

Ellis Hagger, expedition leader, said: “By tackling the UK waters we will be encountering the most dangerous and fast-turning tides on the planet whilst crossing the world’s busiest shipping lane.

“On a daily basis we could be dodging cruise ships, pleasure craft and cargo ships so the trip will be pretty hairy in places but it will be worth it to raise the money for our selected charities which are both close to the crew’s hearts”.

Donations can be made via the team's website ukcharityrow2015.co.uk.