Round Britain for Charity - Monday 18 to Monday 25 August 2008

[Craig H]

Hi, we're doing it!

Departing Conwy, North Wales on the 18th of August in a 4.8m RIB in an attempt to get round in just 8 days.

I know a few people doubted whether the logistics challenge could be achieved in such a short time but it has. Basicly we have planned a route which gives us 8 legs of approximately 200nm a day, with a mid point fuel stop, and ending each day in a marina with petrol, or a petrol station in easy walking distance.

The route: Conwy - Port Ellen - Lochinver - Petershead - Hartlepool - Lowestoft - Brighton - Falmouth - Conwy.

So whos going to join us? either for one leg or the whole route? It would be fantastic if we could do this as a flotilla of boats.

If your interested PM for more details.

[Poly]

each one of those legs looks like a major trip in its own right. I am guessing that even in good weather a 4.8m boat isn't going to be doing much over 20 knots which makes these probably 12 hour legs (including time for refuelling, faffing etc). 8 days in a row makes that fairly impressive for both the boat and the crew. good luck.

[John Kennett]

That's quite a task you've set yourself. It will be tough, but it's a good challenge - I hope you get good weather!

I'll give you a hand fuelling and buy you a beer when you get to Brighton.

John

[greenkeg]

hi craig
would have been interested in meeting up round south /west wales but we will be away on holiday,sorry good luck anyway,best wishes. tony
ps if you forward me a sponsorship form i will try to help out and get a bit of cash for the event

[Craig H]

Thanks for the support guys.

The last round britain in <5m boats was done in 8 days, we only have a window of 9 days so we're planning 8 with a spare day for weather or bigger problems!

We're hoping to average 20kts and each leg is just under 200nm.

Our website should be up and running by the weekend where anybody can sponsor us, I'll post the address when its ready.

Cheers for the offer John, I'll take you up on that when we're in Brighton!

[thomas]

I did this on the rb4 challenge in a ribcraft 4.8 would love to join up with u at some stage but may conflict with round Scotland under 4 meters in august. Can u PM the details

[Alan]

Originally Posted by Craig H

Thanks for the support guys.

The last round britain in <5m boats was done in 8 days, we only have a window of 9 days so we're planning 8 with a spare day for weather or bigger problems!

Um I think it was actually 9 days if my memory serves. It was hard work & I was on a 9.5m support boat! Best of luck but it is quite the challenge & the weather window will be the key to success.

[Richard Selman]

PM me if you need anything for Peterhead stop.

Richard

[Craig H]

Thanks for the continued support!

You're right Alan, slight typo', last <5m round Britain was done in 9 days.

A couple changes!

We are now starting and finishing in Pwllheli, Wales, and Falmouth has now been swapped to Penzance.

For all those of you who have PM'd me for the details sorry for the delay, I'll get them to you ASAP.

[Craig H]

Hi,

Our website at justgiving.com is now available for anybody wishing to support us and cancer research.

Every penny of the money people give will go straight to Cancer Research, none of it will go towards the cost of the trip, those costs will be covered by my crewmate and myself. So please give generously!

please visit;

www.justgiving.com/roundbritainboatchallenge

thanks

[Justribing]

Hi Craig

I will be starting my hols than monday and will be in Marazion, well just outside could possibley join you for a bit say from penzance and may be leave to go back into hayle, Family commitments. Let me know some details if you fancy a bit of inital company.

[Craig H]

We are home, safe and dry. Unfortunately we didn’t make it all the way round Great Britain. Due to bad weather, delays on the Caledonian Canal and an engine failure in Aberdeen, we only managed to make it to Grimsby. So with 1000 of the 1700 miles covered we are not quitting, just postponing the finish! We both have to be back at work now, but whenever we have a suitable weather window, and our rosters match, we will be back out to finish it off.

We brought the boat home with us and are very pleased how it has faired under such a tough ordeal. After a good wash and polish it appears to have no damage or signs of fatigue. The engine is in great condition too (whose failure in Aberdeen wasn’t its fault, it was the result of bad wiring installation when fitted), which is more than can be said for some other items!

Both GPS’s are water logged and have condensation on the inside of their screens making them almost impossible to view. The depth sounder failed on day one. The fixed VHF has water in its speaker, so is unbelievably quiet. The seals have failed on all three auxiliary fuel tanks, so they leak petrol everywhere. The search light failed making it unsafe to travel by night. Both the main and spare intercoms failed so we had no conversation for the last couple days!. But worst of all, the phones/cameras failed on day one leaving us with very few pictures of our journey. Oh and the crew are pretty knackered too!

What photos we did manage to take are available on our website www.roundbritainboatchallenge.com

We would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to everyone who contributed and helped us to raise over £2500 for Cancer Research and the Dr.Hadwen Trust (my crewmates chosen charity).

If you haven’t already made a donation and would like to, our website will still accept donations until the 18th October. Please visit www.justgiving.com/roundbritainboatchallenge

Also thanks to:

The Smiths, for the coffee and rest aboard Galena in the sound of Jura

Alan and Gary, your support in Scotland was invaluable.

All the British Waterways staff of the Caledonian Canal (except the one who gave us a warning for speeding!!! (only kidding, you too)) for trying to get us through quickly. And Phil for the accommodation.

The Whitehills Harbour master for support even at 9:00pm

John, in Stonehaven Harbour, for the coffee and shelter.

The Port of Aberdeen for letting us berth whilst repairing the engine wiring.

The Land Lord of the Schooner in Amble for letting us have a room and for your kind assistance in getting fuel etc.

The Humber Cruising Association, for the warmest welcome of the trip and all you’re support and encouragement (and lodging!!!) Looking forward to seeing you all again when we re-start from Grimsby.

The crews of Devocean and companion boat (sorry didn’t get the second boat name!) for your escort from Grimsby into the Humber (and smooth wake), Enjoy the rest of your voyage wherever it may take you!

Mercury for making very tough outboard engines

Ribcraft, for making the strongest and most stable small RIB on the market, a truly excellent boat.