News from round the Web

Henley heroes visited the UK Open Surfboat Championships at Saunton Sands, apparently giving the event 'added respect'. I think participating in a frankly terrifying sport like surfboating gives the 1829 Boat Club crew 'added respect'.

The Artemis transatlantic rowing crew, who smashed the record for rowing from New York to England set 114 years ago by a couple of mad Norwegians, met the Queen Mary on the way. Congratulations to the Artemis, though I have added respect for the original guys, who were correctly dressed for the occasion.

Construction has begun on yet another St Ayles Skiff, this time in Dunbar. 28 kits have now been sold. Tremendous!

But the BEST news of all is that Ben of The Invisible Workshop is back home from hospital. His crewmates rowed across the harbour to welcome him home. Here's wishing you a speedy return to the water, Ben.

Lego Simbo

 

I'm so proud. My one-sheet ship Simbo has been modelled in Lego. It is clearly only a matter of time before a special edition is for sale in toy shops round the world, perhaps with a marker pen so builders can create their own custom beard'n'eyebrows effects. I am particularly impressed by the realistic baldy look.

The modeller is Ben Crawshaw of The Invisible Workshop, who emails:

Hi Chris,

Some time ago while playing Lego with my son I decided to try and make a rowing boat. The result, I think, is a striking resemblance to you and Simbo. I was going to use the photo for a tongue in cheek post ('Chrisp action figure and Simbo available from Lego' or some such) but then my health dived (I'm still in hospital) and well, I haven't been up for blogging since.

I've just come across the photos again and send them on to you to use as you please.

Like the new look at Rowing for Pleasure.

All the best,

Ben 

Get well soon, Ben. We miss you a lot.

From the Bloggersphere

Gonna rain ALL day today, with an hour off for lunch, so I'm surfin'.
O Dock speculates about the return of sailing merchant ships when the oil runs out. This would be a very good thing for cargo, but travellers need a reliable schedule, so the future of intercontinental travel is:

Fast, reliable and the passengers do most of the work. At the end of a transatlantic passage they will be fit as fleas. This could cure the obesity epidemic at a stroke. Bring back the galleys!
Which brings me to The Invisible Workshop, where Ben outlines the training schedule for the Spanish National Regatta. Weights Mon and Weds, Running Tues, Rowing Fri and Sun. I assume that Sat is wasted schlepping round the house doing odd jobs. They are going to be fit as very fit fleas.

Ben also posts a picture of a traditional Catalan oar, which he says is so well balanced it is a delight to swing despite its enormous weight. The blade is thin but its length gets a good grip on the water, apparently. Very interesting.

A Grim Warning....

...about outboard motors, the invention of the Devil, from the always-entertaining-and-informative Invisible Workshop.
Key quote: "To conclude: you’re much better off rowing."

Ben Rows the Med

Ben at The Invisible Workshop has put together a screamingly funny video that says it all about long distance rowing.

Onawind Blue heads south

Ben at the Invisible Workshop has taken his Gavin Atkin-designed boat Onawind Blue to Ibiza, a long offshore voyage that required rowing a lot. A vivid description of the trip is here (the picture above was taken on an earlier adventure - Ben promises photos of the Balearics trip soon).