Team Coastal Odyssey picks up a Guinness World Record after completing 2,000-mile GB Row Challenge 2024.
Winch Design proudly sponsored the Coastal Odyssey team in the GB Row Challenge 2024. Departing from Tower Bridge, London, on 9 June, the crew of six rowed continuously and unsupported for 49 days, 1 hour, and 29 minutes, covering 2,000 miles around the entire coast of Great Britain. This extraordinary achievement set a new Guinness World Record for the fastest mixed team of six to complete the GB Row Challenge unsupported.
Regarded as the world’s toughest rowing race, the GB Row Challenge requires teams to row continuously and unassisted while navigating complex tidal streams, shipping lanes, and volatile weather conditions.
The record-setting team comprised of Skipper Patrick Deacon, an offshore wind blade repair technician; Chief Navigator Adam Ravenscroft, a former British Army Signaller and passionate environmentalist; First Mate Joe Benson, an audit manager and data analyst; and crew members Hannah Davies, a vet at the University of Surrey School of Veterinary Medicine, Lia Evans, a physiotherapist, and Daisy Lucker, a business development manager.
During their adventure, the team collected valuable environmental data, which scientists at the University of Portsmouth will analyse. This data will contribute to ongoing research efforts aimed at understanding the impact of human activity on marine ecosystems and informing strategies for conservation and sustainability.
Professor Fay Couceiro from the University of Portsmouth said:
“I am so pleased to see all the rowers return safe and sound, having set a new world record! This is a remarkable achievement, which is made even more impressive by their commitment to gathering scientific data. I am very grateful for their perseverance in collecting this data and look forward to getting the samples back to the lab for analysis.”
Among the data collected were 28 microplastic pollution samples. This contribution marks the third year of data collection from the GB Row Challenge, offering a clearer picture of the level of microplastic pollution in UK waters, the distribution of plastic pollutants, and the types of plastic pollution present.
Additionally, using a hydrophone embedded in the rudder of their boat, ‘Intrepid,’ they recorded over 1,000 hours of underwater sound data. This data helps map 'noisy' species such as dolphins and track noise pollution from human activities in the seas.
By undertaking this challenge and propelling themselves around Britain’s shoreline, the team collected data with minimal carbon emissions. In contrast, a fuel-powered research vessel conducting similar work could cost over £500,000 and produce 2,000 kg of CO2.
Moreover, the Coastal Odyssey team has raised over £7,000 for their chosen charity, Surfers Against Sewage, so far. There is still time to donate. Please visit their Just Giving page if you would like to contribute to this fantastic charity working to keep UK coasts safe and clean.
Winch Design congratulates the Coastal Odyssey team for their remarkable achievement and invaluable contributions to environmental research.