Woodvale Challenge Atlantic Row 2009

Norman Beech, the Centre Manager of the Raymond Priestley Centre for Outdoor Pursuits and Field Studies and his son James Beech plan to take part in the Woodvale Atlantic Rowing Challenge in November 2009. The challenge is to row over 2,500 nautical miles from La Gomera in the Canaries to Antigua in the West Indies.

James Cracknell and Ben Fogle rowed the Atlantic in 2005 - their boat ‘Spirit of EDF Energy’ finished third. Their efforts were broadcast by the BBC and brought the Woodvale Challenge Atlantic rowing event into the media spotlight.

Norman has completed a number of sea kayak journeys, including St Bees, Cumbria to the Isle of Man, and trips to the Scottish Islands of Rhum, Eigg and Muck. James has accompanied his dad on several sea kayaking journeys and is an impressively determined and capable individual.

They would be aiming to break two records. Firstly, the existing and to-date only crossing time for a father and son of 78 days, set in 2004. Their aim is to lower this to 65 days or less. Secondly, the youngest male ocean rower was 19 years when he completed the crossing in 2006. James would potentially become the youngest male ocean rower, as we would start and finish the row before his 19th birthday. Both Norman and James are aware of the considerable nature of the challenge they are taking on. More people have stood on Everest than rowed the Atlantic!

Click on the link to the right to view the event organiser (Woodvale Challenge) website.

If you are able to help with the project in some way, please contact Norman Beech at the Raymond Priestley Centre by phone: 01539 441 364 or by email: n.e.beech@bham.ac.uk.