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Old Pulteney Pole Position Challenge Heats – An Honour To Be A Part Of
26 Nov 2010
Jock and the Pole Position heat entrants
Last Saturday left both myself and the Old Pulteney team truly humbled. The effort put in by the 48 finalists of the Pole Position Heat was utterly extraordinary, and I could not be more appreciative of everyone for making it to the day and putting their all into each grueling exercise.
Each finalist was put through a series of incredibly demanding tests: endurance rowing for two and half hours, group interviews and psychometric trials. All were specifically designed to ensure the winning candidate has what it takes both physically and mentally to endure the demanding challenge of rowing to the North Pole.
The event took place at Dorney Lake, Eton Rowing Centre – the Olympic Rowing Centre for 2012, and I would like to also thank the staff at Dorney Lake for making the event such a success.
The winner will be announced at the London Boat Show in January. Ultimately we are looking for three people (one plus two reserves) to make up the squad. We are looking for people who best complement the existing crew members: - knowing our skills/strengths/weaknesses and also bearing in mind other skills that might be useful to us.
However, choosing the winner will be no mean feat, as after meeting everyone on Saturday, I would be truly honoured to have any one of the finalists by my side on our way to the North Pole. None the less, I’m incredibly excited at the prospect of training with the winner before embarking on our life changing expedition in August 2011.
Let the fun begin!
03 Nov 2010
The deadlines for entries has passed, but the real competition is only just beginning
On Monday, the competition to find the final member of Jock's crew closed. Our panel of judges and I are busy sifting through all the applications, enjoying reading why potential participants want to join me on this epic adventure through snow and ice.
It's exciting and busy. On 20 November, the best of the bunch will be put through their paces: primarily a 3-hour rowing challenge as well as interviews and other tests. I'm looking forward to finding out who has what it takes to be the final member of the crew and join me on my adventure.
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