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New Year resolutions come in all forms. To beat a current record by rowing over 3000km could be one of them. The Anglo American Boat Race is challenging competitors to row 2010 miles in 2010 around Great Britain and in a time to beat the current record of 26 days that was set in 2005. Organiser Chris Usborne recently contacted World Rowing to highlight the race that will begin in June this year and especially to encourage an American team to enter. Already five teams have entered, predominantly of British army members, and one entry from Spain. Usborne talked to World Rowing about the event. World Rowing: Where does the name “Anglo American boat race” come from?
Chris Usborne: The Anglo American Boat Race originated in 1872 when the Atalanta Rowing Club of New York posted a challenge to the London Rowing Club to row a four-oared race on the Thames. The challenge was accepted and the Anglo-American Boat Race was born. The Anglo American Boat Race Club has been set up with the simple objective to re-establish the AABR as one of the world's most prestigious and exciting rowing competitions and to captivate the American and British imagination with hardship, skill and determination by rowing unsupported around the UK, and in later years in the US coastal waters. The first challenge in this new format is called GB Row 2010. WR: How many teams are you hoping to have competing?
CU: We are happy to support up to 20 teams, but this is our first year with this new format and our realistic expectation is five to 10 teams (I currently have five). Most competitors have some military background, whether Royal Marines, army doctors or ex-field gunners - all have stories within stories – i.e. one crew tried and failed last year when they saw a light aircraft crash within two miles of them off the coast of Ireland and they reported and co-ordinated the rescue attempt; by doing so, they gave up their own challenge. I am hoping for an American team to come in, but currently have not achieved any real interest. Our current challenge is simply "can you row 2010 miles in 2010". WR: What do you think will be the biggest challenge facing the competitors?
CU: The biggest challenge for the oarsmen is probably the weather. Unlike the Atlantic Rowing Race which is about 600 miles (1000km) further (I think) where rowers can take well earned breaks and still drift with following trade winds, this is not so for these intrepid travellers. They have to look at weather windows, tide times (there is nothing more depressing than rowing hard for nine hours and getting absolutely nowhere!) and pinch points where heavy shipping will be a real hazard. Link that with night rowing, shallow water areas (beaching) and heavy seas especially around the top of the UK - I believe understanding and maximising the myriad of different weather conditions is the key to success. Of course, good teamwork, coastal navigation skills, leadership (i.e. when to push hard to maximise following winds, or heave to, up oars or to use a sea anchor when it gets really tough) will all be key decisions. Then there is food management, sleep deprivation, and the raw fitness levels - the power and determination to work to achieve personal goals and chase that elusive World Record, ratified by Guinness World of records in 2005. That is why this is the most difficult rowing race in the world today. WR: Will all of the boats be identical?
CU: The boats are not identical - but most will be very similar in design. It is an open class race. We expect teams to be predominantly four man boats, utilising boats currently used for the Atlantic crossing. (Currently four teams of four and one two-man boat have entered). There will be mandated equipment to be carried and advisory spares, but food, clothing, training, fitting out the boat, etc., is down to the team. WR: Is there anything that you would like to add?
CU: We are supporting my favourite charity - Help 4 Heroes (H4H). As most boats have a military input, everyone has unanimously approved this initiative. The team I have working with me are experts in their field. William de Laszlo (Will the rower) is an ex-army officer. He led the team that set the World Record in 2005. Oliver Dudley (Oli the adventurer) is a true free spirit who has rowed the Atlantic and was pulled in to the failed attempt in 2009 to give the crew some backbone and organisational and motivational skill and support. Both are experienced experts in open water rowing and have been readily giving plenty of advice to teams on request. Me, I just left the Royal Navy after 36 years service and add the logic and organisation to the event. I project manage the critical path and ensure all are kept up-to-date, urging and occasionally kick starting failing issues.
Bottom Line - if this event is successful, we will repeat in 2011 in UK then head to the US in 2012 (because it will be too busy here with the London Olympics). The long term plan would be to then review the challenge in 2013 with a view to alternating either annually or every two years in US and UK waters. Find out more at www.gbrowchallenge.com |
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