Three rowers from the Isle of Wight start their epic 3,000-mile Atlantic challenge this morning (Wednesday), to raise money for three charities.

The Island's Mermaid Atlantic are preparing to set off in The World’s Toughest Row - a 3,000-mile odyssey from La Gomera, in the Canary Islands, to Nelson's Dockyard, in the Caribbean island of Antigua.

The team comprises Chris Mannion, who owns iSurf; Paul Berry, a Ventnor longshoreman and firefighter; and Xavier Baker, the co-founder of the Isle of Wight Distillery.

The trio are on a mission to raise funds and awareness of three charities close to their hearts — The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, The Seahorse Trust and Surfers Against Sewage.

Here's how to follow the progress of the Island's Mermaid Atlantic LIVE

To follow the LIVE progress of the Island's Mermaid Atlantic, click HERE.

They aim to raise at least £7,500 in total, split three ways between their chosen causes.

Speaking to the County Press last month (November), Xavier told the County Press: "It has been three years in the planning, with intensive training for it since January, and now it is almost here.

"I am feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation about it. There will be plenty we won't have experienced before, but we feel we have prepared for it as well as we can. 

"We are looking forward to the simplicity of life and in realising our own significance on our planet. It will be quite an overwhelming experience — and no doubt quite daunting at times.

"We estimate our incredible journey ahead will take about 40 days, which means we should reach Antigua in the third or fourth week of January."

The challenge is being held in support of Ocean preservation.