The Eddystone rocks are around a dozen miles offshore from Plymouth, and saw the completion of the first ever offshore ’rock’ lighthouse in 1699. Henry Winstanley’s eccentric wooden design was mocked by ‘experts’ as too flimsy and decorative. To prove its mettle, he declared that he would inhabit his creation during, “The greatest storm there ever was”. Be careful what you pray for. With bad weather brewing, Winstanley visited the lighthouse on 26th November 1703. The ensuing hurricane wrecked 150 ships and drowned 8000 sailors. When the storm cleared, it was discovered that Winstanley and his lighthouse had vanished from the face of the earth.
The Eddystone Challenge is an annual race organised by the Mayflower Offshore Rowing Club, this year taking place in August. All manner of human propelled craft are allowed to enter and paddle or row out to, around, and back from the current Eddystone lighthouse. Kayaks have to complete the 28 mile journey in pairs. Heather and I filled in our entry form today. Rest assured that we will only actually participate if we get millpond conditions!
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