In 337 days time, an intrepid crew including Jeremy Webb, Business Relationship Manager from the University will venture out to try and set three new rowing records and to raise money for the Centre for Cancer Immunology.
The following records will be attempted:
- First mixed crew to circumnavigate the GB coastline
- Fastest overall time
- Youngest crew member to complete the 2,000 mile course
Rowing more than 2,000 nautical miles around mainland Great Britain, the team will set off from Southampton and circumnavigate their way around the GB coastline. Once they leave Southampton’s docks they will be on their own, non-stop and unsupported until they return having conquered the tides, shipping lanes and ever unknown elements of the British weather.
The team; Jeremy Webb, Claire Shouksmith, Rhys Deane and Duncan Webb have a wealth of experience between them. Jeremy has rowed the Atlantic, Duncan has rowed the Pacific, Claire has climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro twice, walked the Magnetic North Pole and skippered a boat in the 2013 GB row race. Rhys is planning on taking part in this year’s Original Mountain Marathon and is a member of the Illfracombe Gig Rowing Club.
Jeremy commented:
“Mental strength is key, rowing around the coast will be more mentally challenging than rowing the Atlantic. two days into rowing the Atlantic you cannot see land and you know there is no turning back. Circumnavigating the GB coastline means we are always is sight of land, the temptation to stop is there every time you smell fish and chips.”
Claire added:
“It is a unique and amazing opportunity to see the entire coastline and we are all excited about seeing the native wildlife, the fact that we will rarely be without internet access means we can keep everyone up to date via social media.”
Known as the world’s toughest rowing challenge, the team are looking for land crew volunteers to provide advice during the row on tidal flows, and of course the British weather. If you feel you can help, please contact Jeremy via the team’s website or Facebook page.
SUSSED will be keeping you informed with progress as the team prepare for this epic voyage.