Paras set sail across Atlantic Ocean

A GROUP of soldiers who have just returned from a six-month tour of duty in Afghanistan set off on a new challenge yesterday to sail across the Atlantic Ocean.

The 14 members of the 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery (7 Para RHA) cast off from Cowes, Isle of Wight, at 11am with the aim of arriving in New York in about four weeks' time.

The group have spent the past week attending a sea survival training course at the Joint Services Adventurous Sail Training Centre in Gosport, Hampshire.

The crew are sailing Her Majesty's Sail Training Vessel (HMSTV) Endeavour, a 22-metre yacht used for large offshore sailing expeditions, for the Exercise Atlantic Challenge.

The trip will raise money for Help the Heroes and the Royal Artillery Charitable Fund.