ADVENTURERS taking part in the GORE-TEX® Arctic Challenge faced a unique problem at the weekend…blue skies and sunshine.
The team united for a sea trial in preparation for their forthcoming RIB adventure from Scotland to the Arctic Circle. But instead of rough seas and stormy weather the team was faced with a different challenge – sunny skies and still water.
The calm conditions didn’t dampen their spirit for adventure however, as they travelled to The Lizard off the coast of Cornwall in search of rough seas.
With overfalls found, the team had a chance to put the two 6.3m, Suzuki-powered Humber RIBs to the test. All safety and navigation equipment was tested and the team is confident that it will endure the ultimate test when it is taken to the Arctic Circle later this month.
Crew member, Pete Goss MBE, said: “The RIBs handled superbly on the open water and we are now itching to get them to the North Sea for the challenge. The Suzuki engines were just fantastic and reacted quickly and we are all breathing a sigh of relief for our bodies after trying out the Ullman seats, which reduced the impact of the waves we encountered.”
The GORE-TEX® Arctic Challenge team is unique in that it is made up of extremely experienced offshore racers, as well as relative newcomers to the RIB scene. The sea trials provided a chance for less experienced members of the team to earn their sea legs and one of those team members, Ed Gould, said he was far more confident about his involvement in the challenge following the ‘shake down’.
He said: “The sea trials have made the whole team even more excited about our forthcoming trip. The incredible cornish coastlines and sealife, including dolphins and seals, were just a taster for the sights we hope to encounter on the Norwegian coast.”
The GORE-TEX® Arctic Challenge team enjoyed the best of Cornish hospitality throughout the sea trials – including a stay on the Wando Lady in Falmouth.
People at home will be able to keep right up-to-date with the challenge when it takes place from June 27, via onboard tracking technology and social media channels such as Twitter and Facebook, and the challenge website – www.ribstothelimit.com. The crew will feed video, photography and blog updates back from the thick of the action and will be able to answer any questions enthusiasts may have.
