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Introducing the crew
31 Jan 2011
The crew pulling the "ice boat"
Now we’ve found our Pole Position winner, I think it’s time I introduced the rest of the crew who are all working hard with me on a gruelling training regime to get ready for our arctic adventure. I handpicked each member of the team for their mental and physical strength and ability plus they all have admirable track records when it comes to setting off into the great unknown.
First, let me tell you about Mark Delstanche, a 36 year old “super yacht” captain from Brockenhurst. Mark took his first command as a super yacht captain in 2007 and is an experienced rower and climber. He’s not afraid of a challenge and so far his climbs include Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Everest and Mount Aconcagua. Mark has experienced some very harsh conditions and has the kind of stamina we’ll need to row to the pole.
Next is Rob Sleep, a yachting and arctic enthusiast from Lymington. Rob has worked for ten years
on yachts circumnavigating the globe and has walked to the Pole more than once already. Physically fit and used to the arctic, Rob will be an asset to the team.
And last but not least, 36 year old ex advertising executive Billy Gammon. Billy, born and bred in Cornwall, took part in the Indian Ocean Race in 2009 where he completed 81 days of non-stop rowing to raise money for prostate charities in the UK and New Zealand. Billy’s an inspiring character and the challenge of rowing to the pole inspires him as much as it inspires me.
A prestigious team I’m sure you’ll agree and excellent company for 28 year old British Army Officer David Mans, who beat stiff competition in the Pole Position Challenge to earn his place.
An officer and a gentleman
07 Jan 2011
A winner is announced
After three months of anticipation, I am delighted to be able to announce that our search to find the sixth and final crew member for the Old Pulteney Row to the Pole has ended.
We’ve found our man.
David Mans, a 28-year-old British Army Officer from Hampshire, beat stiff competition from hundreds of international entrants to be crowned the Pole
Position winner at the London Boat Show 2011. David’s determination, fitness and stamina stood out amongst the other finalists and saw him scoop the life changing prize, and he will now be trained by me in
the countdown to the summer expedition send off. He beat a great list of 47 other international competitors who were invited to compete head-to-head in a Pole Position Challenge Day in November last year. It was a gruelling day. To test their physical and mental abilities, contestants underwent a two and a half hour endurance row, group interviews and psychometric tests.
To reach the magnetic North Pole, David will row with the rest of the crew members in three-hour shifts, and will have to overcome challenging weather and subzero temperatures with little chance of rest or shelter.
His rowing experience at both coastal and river clubs combined with his career as an army officer will put him in good stead to overcome the many obstacles he will face during the arduous voyage. David is no stranger to cold, monotony and exhaustion and the effect it can have on a team of people. He credits his sense of humour in the face of adversity and strong determination to succeed as the key attributes he will bring to the team.
We’ll be adding a crew section to the site, so you can find out more about everyone who’ll be joining me in the boat.