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!
From a Health & Safety perspective the Eddystone Challenge is a nightmare. Great in mill pond conditions but one-to-one support vessels needed anyway - and in 2005 the Mayflower Club organisers were lucky not to find themselves in a Coroners Court. Good luck anyway.
My experience of the 2007 Challenge is that the safety planning and organisation was outstanding.
Thanks for your contribution,
Mark