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Latest NewsSingle Giant Meander Sponsors
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Latest Press ReleaseGuinness World Record attempt Thursday 7th ~ Saturday 9th AprilA single oarsman based in Thames Ditton, Surrey will attempt to break a world record between the 7th & 9th April when he rows the length of the River Thames, from Lechlade Bridge to Gravesend Pier (165 miles), in less than 60 hours and 23 minutes ~ the current record time. The oarsman will row continuously in a Thames skiff from the afternoon of Thursday 7th April intending to finish during the afternoon of Saturday 9th April. His efforts will be raising money for charities; The Rowing Foundation and Macmillan Cancer Relief. The attempt is being generously sponsored by De Walt Tools & Isaac Lord Limited. Oarsman Malcolm Knight said: 'Having considered the weather forecasts and the fact that my support plan is in place I have decided to go ahead with this attempt on the record time for rowing the length of the River Thames single handed'. 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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