Blog: Rob’s boating rally dreams are shattered
Wednesday 16th June 2010, 9:25AM BST.
Shropshire businessman Rob Hancocks has been putting himself to the ultimate speed and endurance test in a bid to raise money for Hope House children’s hospices.
He is one of the organisers of the 2010 Great British Rib Rally, which is a 12-day boating challenge that circumnavigates mainland Great Britain and Ireland.
But after a herculean effort in horrendous weather conditions in a damaged boat, his dream is over…
Day 4
June 15th, 2010
Today has been a difficult day (the latest difficult day in a difficult week), and unfortunately it’s the end of our dream – we’ve had no choice but to retire from the rally.
Rather than the usual long report, here are the main issues:
a) Bow damaged on the Irish return to Falmouth
b) Force 6 to 7 seas hampering our return to Portland
c) Impossible timing and logistics to get back in heavy seas, repair the boat, trailer up to Holyhead, launch and power across to Bangor NI to rejoin the rally in time for the Oban leg
So given the worsening weather conditions and damage to the Rib, events have all conspired against us and unfortunately we have been forced to pull out.
My support team have contacted all the people who were due to take part in the remaining legs, and they all understand the reasons behind this tough decision.
We fully intend to organise a series of events to replicate the legs they should have taken, and are grateful for their continued support and acceptance of the situation.
After all the tremendous effort exerted by so many in recent months, both in terms of the build process, logistics and general support, we are gutted to have to take this decision, but find ourselves with little option.
Thank you once again for your support – it’s a disappointing end to a long-held dream.
Rob Hancocks
Skipper,
Cool Running
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