A lifelong sailor and grandfather of ten is relishing the challenge of rowing across the Atlantic ocean, spending Christmas aboard a boat with a group of strangers.

David Coles will be part of a nine-person crew rowing from Tenerife to Antigua in a 45-day challenge which will see them share a small vessel day and night.

The Pulborough man, who is a former naval search and rescue pilot, says sailing is “in the blood” as he embarks on the 3,000-mile trek.

David, who previously sailed the North Atlantic with his wife Mary in 2020, said: “I’m a lifelong sailor – you could say that sailing is in the blood. I wanted something new to tick off the bucket list.

“It will be a very bonding experience, and we’ll have to look out for each other.”

David sailed across the Atlantic solo last year.

He will start his latest adventure on December 1 in Tenerife before sailing for 45 days to Antigua.

David will complete the journey to raise money for Chestnut Tree House, a children’s hospice based near Arundel. He is accepting donations through his JustGiving page.