Having started the 2008 Celtic Challenge and rowing their way into a leading position, Tenby Sea Rowing Club, part of Surflink, were then forced to retire due to growing safety concerns. The Celtic Challenge, which is acknowledged in the Guinness Book of Records as one of the toughest rowing events in the world, is a 90-mile race across the Irish Sea from Arklow to Aberystwyth. Originally due to start on Saturday, May 3, the race was held over until the Sunday due to adverse wind and sea conditions. On the Sunday, teams were told to have two bailing buckets in their longboats as difficult sea conditions would persist for the first three hours of the race. In the event, the forecast improvement in weather and sea conditions during Sunday did not materialise, with the wind remaining a fresh Force 5. With night about to fall, the skipper of Tenby's safety boat advised them to retire from the challenge as crew transfers to and from the longboat were becoming increasingly dangerous. In total, half of the challenge starters retired due to the poor sea and weather conditions. Nick Tebbutt, captain of Tenby Sea Rowing Club, said: "The entire team felt absolutely gutted. We've trained for six months for this event and it feels a huge let down for us, our sponsors and supporters. If there is any good news, it is that we have still raised a substantial sum for the Paul Sartori Foundation, the charity that provides home hospice care in Pembrokeshire." Jonathan Miller, at 16, the youngest ever competitor in the challenge, added: "It was very, very disappointing, but what a great experience. I can't wait for 2010!" The entire team would particularly like to thank their club sponsor, ESS, and also the very generous supporters of their Celtic Challenge, Tenby Town Council, Milford Haven Port Authority, Tenby House Hotel, Prince's Gate Water, the Co-op at Kilgetty and Wilkinson Stores. The club is now turning their attention to the annual 'Pubs 'n' Clubs' event, as well as two major races, the Eddystone Challenge in August and the Great River Race in London in September. As Nick Tebbutt commented: "We've just got to get back out there rowing so we can show everyone what Tenby can really do!"