Yesterday afternoon, a four man team taking on a world first challenge to row and cycle from Les Minquieres, the southernmost point of the UK, to the northernmost point of the British Isles (Out Stack) almost hit disaster as their boat suffered a catalogue of failures causing them to drift dangerously in a busy shipping area eventually avoiding potential collision by a mere 10 feet during an attempted rescue.
The team, led by former Oxford University psychologist and best-selling author Kevin Dutton, included Billy Tailor and Gary Hutchings, two highly experienced ocean rowers who had “never known so many things go wrong on a boat. One thing after another failed.”
Having initially delayed the start due to bad weather, the team’s bow line snagged on the mooring forcing them to cut themselves free – delaying the start further; with the wind and tide still refusing to cooperate, progress was further hampered; communication issues; a rudder malfunction that had to be repaired on the water; and three separate autopilot systems failing resulted in the boat drifting without power or effective control.
Talking about the events which unfolded yesterday, Kevin said: “We were drifting and contacted Solent Coast Guard for assistance due to there being large shipping in the area. A tanker responded and we finally saw it on the horizon – it was absolutely massive.
“They came closer and stopped about 200 meters away and slowly approached. Communication was tricky with the captain, but they inched closer and threw a line out that fell short. Our small ocean rowing boat was dwarfed by this massive vessel, and it was still getting closer and closer – to the point where there was significant potential for collision. The ship felt incredibly close to us and appeared to be only feet away. It was a terrifying experience.”
Narrowly escaping a collision, the tanker moved on as the team believed there were better assets in the area to help, yet leaving the crew still stranded without steering in a very busy stretch of water. However, having reestablished communications with the mainland, a Border Force boat patrolling the coastline responded.
Kevin added; “The nearest vessel that could reach us happened to be a Border Force boat. They came out in a black RIB, with their larger vessel close behind. They transferred us safely from our boat onto theirs and then winched our boat up and towed it into Weymouth. They were absolute professionals. An incredible team turning what was an imminent disaster and near-death experience, into a seamless rescue. Calm, efficient, and completely in control. They really did save the day.”
Kevin and his team safely hit land at Weymouth at 1:30am this morning.
Despite the traumatic events of last night, Kevin and his team are taking the weekend to recover before embarking on the next phase od the challenge, a 30-day South to North expedition point to point across the British Isles cycling a rickshaw, and by boat, all to raise awareness of children’s wellbeing and raise vital funds for 10 children’s mental health charities.
Supported by some of the country’s top celebrities from Sport, TV and music, including Iron Maiden singer, Bruce Dickinson, who joined the team as they launched the challenge from Les Minquieres to Jersey.
Other notable faces set to join the challenge in support of Kevin’s mission include English lexicographer Countdown star Susie Dent; former England and Lions Rugby player, Brian Moore; television presenter Ben Sheppard; Snooker superstars Ronnie O’Sullivan, Jimmy White and Rob Walker; Olympic silver medallist Ed Clancy; and British triathlon royalty Alisdair and Jonny Brownlee.
Speaking about his reasons behind the challenge, Professor Kevin Dutton, said: “We want to celebrate and find ways to nurture the strengths of our young people and raise significant funds for 10 children’s mental health charities. Every day adults make decisions about children’s mental health – in schools, clinics, policy rooms and research labs – yet the one group rarely asked what actually helps is the children themselves.
“Children often understand their struggles, fears and resilience in ways adults overlook. If we want better solutions we must start with better listening – because the most powerful insights into children’s wellbeing often come from children themselves.”
Traversing around 1,500 miles, the team will row 700 miles (from Les Minquiers to Portsmouth, via Jersey, and then from Scrabster, in the north of Scotland, to Out Stack) and cycle 800 miles on land on their custom-madetandem-rickshaw from Portsmouth Harbour to Scrabster.
During the challenge the team will face blisters and sores, exhaustion and encounter treacherous waves over 4-metres high when they row across The Alderney Race – a dangerous, high-speed tidal stream between Alderney and France.
As part of the adventure, Kevin is setting up a petition to encourage the Government to establish a National Listen to Children Day.
To support Professor Kevin Dutton’s challenge, visit South North Adventure | givestar
Follow the challenge on Instagram (South-North Adventures) or visit www.southnorthadventures.com
