Many thanks to Capt. Simon Merritt for his report of weekend’s round the Island row. Ed
Last weekend a group of 35 youngsters aged between six and 17 successfully completed a sponsored row around the Isle of Wight.
All participants were members of the 2nd Cowes (St. Mary’s) Sea Scouts Group and they were supported by a large number of leaders and parents.
The group met at Trinity Landing in West Cowes where the 4m long rowing boat ‘Red Admiral’ was loaded with her first crew and proceeded to the start line off Cowes.
At 0915 Abby Croxford (our highest fundraiser) fired a single cannon from The Royal Yacht Squadron signalling the start of the event.
First crew head to Yarmouth
Red Admiral proceeded towards The Needles hugging the shoreline to utilise the counter tide in this area, a number of youngsters ran along the parade following our progress.
During this event ‘Pegasus’ a 7m motorboat and a 6m rib were used for crew changes and safety cover, all vessels were manned by youngsters and leaders from the group.
The first crew change took place passing Yarmouth late morning, with the favourable tide passing Hurst we attained our highest speed of 7.8 knots!
‘Thread the Needle’
It became clear we were behind schedule and decided to ‘Thread the Needle’ to save time, with an experienced crew onboard we passed between the first set of rocks inshore and broke through the swell into the English channel.
Keeping close inshore Red Admiral passed under the cliffs to Freshwater Bay where another fresh crew were waiting.
From here the going got tough as the swell increased; the land didn’t appear to be moving fast!
Overnight stop in Ventnor
We reached Ventnor Haven at dusk, all boats were safely moored and we proceeded to the campsite for a well deserved rest and hot meal.
After a cooked breakfast, Red Admiral departed Ventnor Haven 0700 on Sunday, the rib towed Pegasus out due to the lack of water.
We made great progress with perfect conditions on the back of the Island; we soon passed Shanklin, Sandown and Yaverland where another crew embarked.
Passing Bembridge Ledge close inshore the water was clear and still, mackerel were jumping around us but we had no time to stop and fish.
We continued to speed on towards Seaview where more crew joined, Ryde Harbour brought more recruits, everybody wanted to be onboard for the finishing line.
Support from onlookers
Some supporters on Ryde Pier shouted words of encouragement as did a couple of passing yacht crews who must have heard us on the radio.
The wind was increasing and the seas started to build with the ebb tide, this slowed our progress but we had a large crowd waiting at Cowes and didn’t want to be late, more youngsters manned the oars.
Final crew change
Approaching Osborne Bay we could see Cowes coming into view as we made the final crew change.
Six explorers crewed the boat for the final stretch, as we approached the finishing line we were cheered on by a large crowd on the shore and local yachtsmen offshore.
At 1415 RYS fired cannon as we passed the finishing line after 48.9 nautical miles and 18 hours and 23 minutes of rowing.
Emotions were running high as we landed ashore in Cowes, many parents and supporters welcomed us, even strangers turned up to welcome us after following our progress on the radio.
This weekend has given all the youngsters a great sense of achievement, they have conquered the Isle of Wight, learnt new skills, improved their seamanship, worked as a team and been rewarded with an unforgettable memory which they will pass onto their children in years to come.
Back to basics
This weekend we have gone back to one of the fundamentals of scouting, we have participated in an adventure; the youngsters have served us proud and have raised a huge amount of money along the way.
All sponsorship will go towards renovations of our hall, purchase of new equipment and further adventures.
This event could not have gone ahead without the huge support received from all the leaders, committee and some parents.
A big thank you to everyone who took part!
