Portrush to Islay on a DINGHY!

In doing so, John Lynn from Gateside, is aiming to raise funds for the Portrush Lifeboat, John, who works for the Department of Agriculture, told the Times: “My father and a group of friends windsurfed the whole way from Portrush to Port Ellen in Islay in the mid 1980s.

“An amazing achievement and something I have always aspired to do.

“Unfortunately my father passed away very suddenly last year, and I have decided to put my plans into action and do this in Spring 2013.

“I hope to raise a lot of money for Portrush Station RNLI as this is an organisation very dear to my father’s and my own heart.”

John said that he is in the early stages of planning his adventure.

He explained: “Richard Connor, owner of the fishing boat, Causeway Lass will guide me across and bring my boat back.

Richard assisted Al Mennie in a similar trip on a Stand Up Paddle Board, or SUP) last year and is well experienced in the dangerous stretch of water.

“We are unable to set an exact date as we will have to be flexible and wait for ideal tidal and weather conditions, but the target is April or May this year.”

John added: “I hope to get some corporate sponsorship to cover costs - diesel and sailing equipment - and will get sponsors logos on my sail.

“I will also will be gathering individual sponsorship and running events in conjunction with Portrush and Coleraine Yacht Club.”