Two former Giggleswick School students are in the final stages of preparation before their record-breaking attempt to row the Atlantic.

Alex Macdonald and Luke Grose, both 23, are taking part in the Woodvale Trans-atlantic Rowing Race, which starts from La Gomera in the Canary Islands on December 6.

The pair, who set off for the Canaries on Wednesday, found time in their busy schedule to call into their old school to give a talk to staff and pupils.

They encouraged the students to “aim high”, reminding them anything was possible if you set yourself goals and were prepared to work hard to achieve them.

“Preparing for the race has seen us work harder than we ever believed possible,” said Luke. “After this, anything we undertake will seem a breeze!”

The rowers said their inspiration had come from their former Giggleswick house tutor and former head of history, Mark Mortimer. Mr Mortimer, having made the crossing in a two-man boat in 1997, attempted a solo row in 2004 while the boys were at Giggleswick. Now deputy headmaster at St John’s, Leatherhead, he is travelling to La Gomera, along with his former charges’ parents, to wish them luck on their 3,000-mile voyage.

Preparations have taken almost three years, from finding a boat to lease to packing it full of the equipment and provisions they will need to satisfy the strict rules of the race organisers.

After raising £50,000 sponsorship, they now have more sponsors than any other team in the race. On top of this Alex and Luke have raised almost £10,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

At the school, the pair spoke of some of the dangers they could face, such as the huge container ships and oil tankers that may cross their path, not to mention sharks and whales, but they said every effort had been made to secure the most up-to-date and top-quality equipment.

“We really want to beat the record of 40 days and five hours set back in 2003, but we will be satisfied if we complete the course in less than 50 days, provided we win, of course,” said Alex.

Their race progress can be monitored on their website teamjct600.com.