THE new rowing boat being used by three Island men to take on one of the world’s toughest rowing challenges later this year — the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge — went on display at the Isle of Wight Festival. 

The Isle of Wight Festival, as one of the sponsors of the Mermaid Atlantic 2023, had it on display backstage at the Seaclose Park site's Guest Village over the three days. 

The 3,000-mile row, in December, is being undertaken by Islanders Xavier Baker, Chris Mannion and Paul Berry, in support of ocean preservation, raising funds for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Surfers Against Sewage and The Seahorse Trust.