Many octogenarians struggle to understand their TV remote controls, but one pair of seafaring friends is mastering the latest marine electronics for a cross-Channel adventure in a James Bond powerboat.

Geoff Tobert, 80, and Ray Bulman, 79, set off today, from Putney Embankment to Calais in a restored 40-year-old classic Sovereign powerboat, last used by actor Daniel Craig in the Quantum of Solace Bond movie.

They are re-tracing the route of the famous 1960s Putney-Calais powerboat races in the 17-foot boat, which was built by luxury motor yacht designers Sunseeker.

While both men are well-travelled this is the first time they will be using state-of-the-art electronics to aid them in their journey.

Mr Bulman said: “While Geoff and I are old hands at actually steering the boat, it’s true our eyes aren’t what they used to be. The electronics show us large bright coloured details that we’d struggle to see from the paper charts or visually on the crossing.

“The Channel is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world, so we need as much assistance from the latest electronics as possible.”

The pair will have equipment on board including a chartplotter which will show the exact distance travelled, working out the effect of tides and weather during the 10-hour crossing.

Mr Tobert said: “I’ve found the chartplotter easier to use than my TV’s digi box at home – so much so that I’ve already entered a waypoint [marker] at our destination called “Champagne at Calais”.

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