A Scot has become the youngest person to row the Pacific Ocean.
Michael Prendergast, 23, completed the California to Honolulu crossing with three American team-mates in 49 days, 23 hours and 15 minutes.
The team, called Uniting Nations, were the first to cross the finish line of the gruelling Great Pacific Race which stretches nearly 3,000 miles.
Team-mates Robert Behny, Evan Buckland and Jordan Godoy reached Hawaii July 27 and were piped into the marine with a single piper.
Mr Prendergast, who lives near Spynie Castle in Moray, said “the final 24 hours were the hardest.”
“We expected to arrive back to Hawaii on Tuesday but then we ran into a strong current which delayed us by two days.
“It was really tough to keep going when we were already exhausted but the thought of my family back home kept me going. Plus, I didn’t want to fail.”
He said all the team suffered hallucinations, with Mr Prendergast at one point believing he was in a pub and about to be served fish and chips.
The former Gordonstoun pupil said: “Mentally, it was the toughest challenge I could ever do.
“The two hours on, two hours off pattern was relentless. There was never a chance to relax and if I was lying down for more than an hour-and-a-half, I was having a lie-in! However my experiences doing team sports and expeditions at Gordonstoun really helped me.
He is raising money for Down's Syndrome Scotland as his younger brother Andrew has the condition, and is almost £7,000 towards his £40,000 target.
He said: “Andrew is a very happy young man but everyday, simple tasks can be major obstacles for him.
“The daily struggles and pressure that my family is under to give Andrew the care that he needs is unimaginable. I’d love to achieve my goal of raising £40,000 so that the charity can continue to support these special members of our community.”
His father, Peter Prendergast, who is deputy head at Gordonstoun Junior School,said: “It was a really emotional moment for all the family and we were so proud to see what Michael and his teammates achieved.”
His JustGiving page can be found at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/michael-prendergast-rowingthepacific.
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