A team of three Southampton oarsmen aim to make coastal rowing history this summer with a record breaking circumnavigation of the Isle of Wight.

The 60 mile charity trip is set to be made in July 2005 in two boats; a coastal racing single and a double sculling boat. Neither of these class of boat have ever attempted the circumnavigation before, although it has been made a few times in larger, wider or more seaworthy boats. Both the 2005 boats are aiming for under 10 hours for the trip, which will place physical and mental demands on the athletes beyond those of running several marathons back to back.

Jake Frith, 30, who first suggested the challenge in summer 2004 and will be making the attempt in the diminutive single scull, explains the problems the scullers will face. "These boats are designed for maximum speed in sheltered waters. When we suggested the idea of trying to get round the Island in them, many, especially older members of Southampton Amateur Rowing Club suggested that the task was simply impossible, especially in the 14 inch wide single. That only served to drive us on even more - the only way we will find out if it is possible is to make a serious attempt. We have been training in the ferry washes out in Southampton Water, not just for fitness, but also to formulate techniques for keeping boat speeds high through the rough stuff and getting back into the boats after a capsize. Although we have a 5 day window to make the attempt, will pick the calmest weather we can, and both boats will have a RIB escorting them every inch of the way, I certainly expect to do my fair share of swimming."

The double scull will be rowed by Roger Slaymaker, 44 and Chris Bennet, 42, both veterans of many years' successful coastal rowing on the Hants and Dorset Championship regatta circuit.

Because this website does not cater for reimbursing donors if the event fails, we would prefer donors to click the 'sponsor me now' button if possible. The attempt is being made to raise money jointly for Southampton Amateur Rowing Club's new junior section and NSPCC. We have pre-arranged with NSPCC that 50% of monies raised will be fed back to the rowing club. Please be aware that, despite what it says elsewhere on this page, when you click the button to send a donation, half of the donation is going to SARC, half to NSPCC. The junior section of SARC takes a large number of Woolston kids, often from disadvantaged backgrounds, and teaches them the importance of teamwork and effort, through the pursuit of sporting achievement. We have chosen NSPCC for the other 50% of funds raised to acknowledge that there is more to life than rowing. Please visit www.southamptonrowing.org to find out more about the challenge, the club and coastal rowing, and do check in July to see if we made it!