Trio set for 5000-mile jet ski trip

But for his latest sea trip, the Livingston man won't have the protection of a warship.

Instead the 51-year-old will sit exposed atop a jet ski as he races from Orkney to one of the world's most glamorous destinations.

Along with two friends from the North Sea island, Mr Forber will embark on the 5000-mile trip to Monte Carlo this weekend, with the aim of raising 100,000 for two charities.

Unlike his experienced Orcadian teammates, Gary - who now works at Longannet power station in Kincardine - only took up jet skiing a few years ago. However, he is optimistic his Navy career will serve him well.

The trio reckon it is the first time anyone has jet skied that particular route and distance.

"They tell me I have taken to it quite well," he said. "The things the two others can do on jet skis are incredible, but we've got a good blend of experience.

"From being in the Navy I know how the sea can be - I think we are well prepared."

Along with brother-in-law Colin Gregg, 44, and his friend Dugy Ward, 40, the convoy will leave Orkney's capital Kirkwall on Sunday and spend almost a month at sea.

The plan is to sail down the east coast of the UK, before cutting through the English Channel, hugging the west coast of France and Portugal and coming round under Spain, into the Mediterranean and arriving in Monaco towards the end of the month.

They won't take any support vessels, with everything they require being packed in water-proof bags and attached to their skis.

"It's difficult to plan something like this because it is so dependent on the weather," he said.

"We could do 300 miles one day, then only 60 the next. We're expecting the first half of the journey to be the toughest - some of the conditions in and around Orkney can be pretty challenging - and once we get down to Gibraltar for it to get a bit easier.

"We'll be stopping off at marinas on the way to spend the night and refuel, but most of our time will be spent on the water."

The inspiration for the multi-ocean trip came from a recent excursion round the UK coast on jet skis, for which Mr Forber was a support-vehicle driver.

They have chosen to give the cash to Macmillan Cancer Support and the Make a Wish Foundation. Every penny will go to the charities, with the journey costs funded by the men.

Mr Gregg added: "Physically and mentally it will be a really difficult challenge.

"No one has ever taken on this particular trip before and we think it will be the biggest distance ever covered by a jet ski on open water."