Three Top Gear fans in Northern Ireland have managed to sail to Scotland in their modified vehicle – and avoided needing to make an expensive car insurance claim in the process.

Inspired by the BBC motoring show, Bangor resident Peter Martin adapted a £100 Renault Laguna using foam, an outboard motor and a bilge pump (for removing water).

Before heading off on the 23-mile, seven-hour trip across the Irish Sea in the modified car, the 38-year-old completed trial voyages off the Copeland Islands with friends Carl McConkey, Rick Miles and Mark Farrell.

The Belfast Metropolitan College lecturer told reporters that 12-foot waves, persistent vomiting and constant leaking through the car's accelerator and clutch did not put the team off completing the trip from Donaghadee to Portpatrick harbour.

"One of the lads kept saying 'everybody here has Scottish accents – we've actually sailed to Scotland in a Renault Laguna'," he quipped. "We're all really tired, but obviously we're elated too … This just proves what you can do when you put your mind to it."

The Renault Laguna – named Sir Tristram, after a naval landing ship – will now be auctioned to raise funds for an armed services charity.