In the past ten years, Jock Wishart has been organising Challenges from London to Paris in Thames Watermans Cutters. These Challenges have been carried out in May and generally take around 6 days to complete. For the 2010 Challenge, Roger Gould (Atlantic Rower in the first Atlantic Rowing Race, 1997) was asked to help out with organising Land Support. This meant dealing with the authorities on both sides of the Channel amongst other things.
At the conclusion of this event, Jock decided to hand over the reins to Roger so that he could devote his full undivided attention to his other organised Challenges.
Now that Roger has taken over, there have been a few changes made. First, it has been recognised that the cutters are not designed to go out in poor weather conditions. One was swamped this year off the coast of North Kent near Herne Bay and the Challenge was abandoned until the following day. The Challengers were also disappointed to find out that they were not allowed to row the Channel due to poor weather conditions; the boats had to be ferried across to France where the Challenge began again in Le Havre and up the River Seinne to Paris.
We have decided that for the 2012 event different boats are needed. Time for a dilemma! Do we go with something already proven, or do we reinvent the wheel and make our own boats? After a lot of discussion and debate, we have decided to use our own Cornish Gigs made from GRP. This means that all boats will be identical in design and build so no unfair advantage can be sought or claimed.
The other and perhaps most exciting element of the Challenge for 2012 is that the course has been extended for those who wish to Challenge themselves further. As competitors, you can opt to row from London to Paris; or from Paris to London; or from London to London via Paris!! Three choices for one event! How cool is that?
To take part in this amazing Challenge, look at our website on www.london2parisrowing.com for more information and news updates.
You can email us too at rogergould@btconnect.com and request an application form.
Go on! You know you want to!!
Come on all you sliding seat oarsmen & women, get in a REAL boat and do it fixed seat and go a for a real paddle!
No pain, no gain!!!
It's fun rowing across the Channel and up the Seine but I have to say I've never rowed the return trip!
A great event, give it a go.