Thanks to Nicky for details of this forthcoming attempt to row 1million metres during Cowes Week. Ed
A group of 10 amateur rowers will attempt to set a new British record by rowing a non-stop 1 million metres, (621 miles) during the Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week this August to raise awareness and funds for the Africa Children’s Development Trust (ACDT).
The ‘Row for Life’ team will commence their challenge in Cowes Yacht Haven at 12.00 midnight on Sunday 7th August and the team aim to have broken the record 64 hours later by 6pm on Wednesday 10th August.
Two and a half marathons each
To complete the task, each member of the crew will have to row the equivalent of two and a half marathons at maximum pace. Not only this, but they must complete seamless change-over’s to ensure the flywheel of the single Concept2 rowing machine never stops until the 1 million meters distance is reached.
The record attempt is being bravely held in the very public arena of the Cowes Yacht Haven in the hope that it can capture the attention and imagination of the estimated 80,000 people that visit this prestigious sailing celebration every year. By coincidence, this distance is approximately the same as the yachts competing in this year’s Fastnet Race will sail.
Ten sportsmen taking part
The Row for Life team is comprised of ten local sportsmen and will be led by Island McTimoney chiropractor and Row for Life veteran Martin Scotcher, “This is complete madness! To put it in perspective, the London boat race is about five miles in length and takes roughly 20 minutes to complete. We are continuously rowing 600 miles, day and night for almost three days at a pace that will potentially break us both physically and emotionally! I very much hope that the visitors to Cowes will enjoy the spectacle and give us their full support.”
Row for Life has successfully raised money for the Africa Children’s Development Trust previously with multiple team rowing events held on the Isle of Wight over the last two years. This year’s immense feat of non-stop rowing over 1 million metres is hoping to future raise awareness of the ACDT charity.
What is the Africa Children’s Development Trust?
The Africa Children’s Development Trust was launched by former Isle of Wight chiropractor, Nikki Collinson in 2007 (listen to podcast with Nikki). She launched the charity after spending two and a half months in Africa where she completed a volunteer project and spent time treating many of the children she met. The charity firstly aims to provide six monthly health and chiropractic care to children less than 16 years of age living in some of the poorest areas, villages & orphanages.
ACDT also strives to provide each child with a mosquito net to support the prevention of malaria which kills approx 800,000 children in Africa each year & to help fund projects that encompass education, health & development for children in some of the most desperate areas of Uganda.
The Row for Life event has grown in stature over the last three years and now with the kind support of several local as well as national businesses and institutions, it has matured into something worthy of the record books.
To support the team you can donate directly via the website or via the call Martin Scotcher on 01983 754175.
