LARGS rowing duo Cameron Hughes and Iona Macaulay Smith made a big splash at the Atlantic Challenge 2018 held in Northern Ireland.

They were part of the GB team which finished second overall after winning six golds and one silver in the competition’s 12 events.

Team GB successfully upheld a six-year winning streak in the Oars & Sails races, which involve transitioning between rowing and sailing during the contest.

The local duo were part of a squad which also made history, coming away with GB’s first-ever win in Atlantic Challenge’s finalé event, the two-mile rowing race.

The team is now preparing for the next event, Atlantic Challenge Russia 2020.

Every two years, teams representing the countries of Atlantic Challenge – Basque Country, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Great Britain, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Northern Ireland, Quebec, Russia and the USA – meet to compete in a week-long friendly international contest of seamanship in a host nation.

This year's event was in Antrim.

The boats used in the contests were replicas of an 18th century captain’s gig.

The vessels were 38ft long and powered by three masts and 10 oars.

Contest events included traditional rowing and sailing races, as well as events more specific to Atlantic Challenge, such as the oars and sails race.

Crews from each nation were also tested in their ability to navigate and undertake ropework.

Cameron, 21, would like to thank his sponsors Largs Yacht Haven, Edinburgh Napier Students’ Association and 6 SCOTS, his Army Reserve battalion.

He added: "Largs Yacht Haven have been hugely supportive and they are the home of the Firth of Clyde Coastal Rowing Club."

Iona, 16, would also like the opportunity to thank her sponsors for the exciting challenge - Largs Yacht Haven, sportscotland, Skretting, Fusion Marine, Northern Marine Services and Scottish Sea Farms.