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Latest NewsSingle Giant Meander Sponsors
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Latest Press ReleaseGuinness World Record Thursday 7th ~ Saturday 9th AprilA single oarsman based in Thames Ditton, Surrey has smashed the world record for rowing the length of the River Thames, from Lechlade Bridge to Gravesend Pier (165 miles), in 43 hours 40minutes 56secs ~ 16 hrs faster than the previous record. The oarsman, Malcolm Knight, rowed continuously in a Thames skiff from 4pm Thursday 7 April until 11.40am on Saturday 9 April. He was supported by land based teams who met him at every lock, a launch following him on the water and two safety cruisers on the lower Thames - over 50 people. His efforts have raised over £3,000 for two charities; The Rowing Foundation and Macmillan Cancer Relief. The event was generously sponsored by De Walt Tools, Isaac Lord Limited, The Energy Contract Company & N. Shipley & Co. Limited. Oarsman Malcolm Knight said: 'The weather didn’t look too good - rain, sleet, snow and wind but with the extra flow in the river and an exceptionally hide tide mother nature actually helped me. I just couldn’t have done it without all my supporters, they were feeding me, giving me massages and lots of encouragement - fantastic!. If anyone ever thinks of having a go at this record I wish them the very best of luck - they’ll need it.' Ends For more information, interviews with the oarsman or details of the route and photo opportunities, contact Fiona Doyle on 07770-747255 or see http://www.dittons.org.uk/meander. Notes to editorsSponsorshttp://www.dewalt.co.uk/main.asp?sid=0&mktid=2&lid=1 http://www.isaaclord.co.uk/homeFrame.asp Further Information1. Crews from the Ditton Skiff and Punting Club (www.dittons.org.uk) have set five (and still hold two) Guinness world records in the last 16 years: Rowing the length of the River Thames (The Giant Meander) in 1988, the furthest distance rowed in 24 hours in 1993, the fastest row across the Channel in 1997, the fastest row from London to Paris in 1999 and once again the Giant Meander in 2004. Each of these has been a formidable challenge, requiring extensive training and preparation. 2. The oarsman is Malcolm Knight who was one of the crew in four of the previous events, is a members of the Ditton Skiff and Punting Club and Leander Club with 20 years of sculling experience. 3. The Single Oarsman Giant Meander is from Lechlade Bridge to Gravesend Pier, a distance of 165 miles. It is called a meander, due to the winding natures of the Thames and becomes a Giant if the whole length is rowed! In 1996 Peter Goodchild of Vesta Rowing Club completed the distance in 60hours 23mins. 4. A Thames Skiff is a traditional rowing boat, which has undergone very few technology changes over history. They are clinker built (overlapping planks) from hard wood, and much heavier than modern racing boats. Generally, there are no moving parts: no rigger or sliding seats. Skiffs were a Victorian luxury, and featured in "Three men in a Boat". Today they are leisure craft, frequently appearing at Henley Royal Regatta, and we race in the summer months at Regattas organised by the Skiff Racing Association (www.sra.org.uk). 5. The event will raise money for the following charities: The ARA Rowing Foundation which provides funds for the aid and support of young people and the disabled of all ages through their participation in sport and games, particularly water sports & Macmillan Cancer Relief ~ a UK charity that works to improve the quality of life for people living with cancer by providing the expert care |
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