High winds defeat Scots in first round-Britain rowing race

Property developer John Mollison, from Blairgowrie, and army instructor Dave Rowe, from Perth, were part of a four-man crew called the Misfits who had spent nearly two weeks rowing from London to Land's End before being forced to pull out of the race.

They were competing against an all-female crew – the Seagals– in the 2,010 mile race around Britain, hoping to raise 250,000 for Help For Heroes, the charity for injured servicemen and women.

The women, who were leading by more than 80 miles, are now set to collect the 15,000 first prize and the Virgin Trophy. If they complete the course they will set a world record by becoming the first women ever to row around Britain's coastline.

Mr Rowe, 49, a mountaineer who has climbed in Russia, Greenland and Alaska, has little experience of boats. He was due to row the Atlantic on two occasions in the past couple of years, but both attempts were cancelled by the organisers.

Mr Mollison, 50, served with 59 Royal Engineers and was among the liberators of Port Stanley during the Falklands war. His right leg was blown off below the knee when he stood on a landmine.

Since then, he has undertaken several endurance events for charity, including becoming the first amputee to attempt to row the Atlantic from east to west.

After spending nearly three days anchored at Wolf Rock lighthouse, nine miles from Land's End, three members of the crew – Olly Hicks, Jack Jones and Mr Rowe – decided to stop and were taken off the boat.

Mr Mollison wanted to continue in the race, rowing the remaining 1,500 miles to London by himself. However, he broke contest rules when he accepted help to free the anchor, which had become jammed in rocks.

Mr Mollison said last night: "I'm disappointed to have to give up but this really is one of the world's toughest events. It's the ultimate endurance, combined with the ultimate test of skills."