John Searson, Michael Mayo, Frankie Le Quelenec, Christine Pallot, John Fowler, Gina Le Claire and coxswain Mic Tréhorel were sent on their way by the Bailiff, Sir Philip Bailhache, who highlighted the bravery and heroism of the 139 people who attempted to escape during the war, many of whom died or were captured.
The cross-Channel row specifically remembers the escape of Denis Vibert, who was the only Islander to make it to the UK mainland during the five years of Occupation.
Mr Vibert set off in his boat Ragamuffin in September 1941 and was at sea for four days before he was finally picked up by a Royal Navy destroyer off Portland Bill.
Unfortunately, because of poor weather conditions, last night’s row was far shorter than Mr Vibert’s.However, the crew hope to get properly under way on Monday, when they will set off from Grève de Lecq in the small hours.
All things being well, they will arrive in Weymouth around 14 hours later.
