Harwin announces sponsorship of GB Row 2013: six teams attempt to break world record rowing unaided and non-stop around Britain

This year, nine teams signed up and six will go through to try and set new world records for the Mixed Pair, the Men’s Pair, the Men’s Four; the Ladies Four, the Mixed Four, Men’s Eight, and Mixed Six. There will also be a three man team making the first-ever attempt on the course in an ocean-going pedalo.

The race starts on Saturday 1 June when the boats pass under Tower Bridge in London at around eight a.m. to commence their bid for world record glory. They will be led by the Royal Row Barge Gloriana built for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, which will escort them for the first few miles. In addition to the cash prizes offered of £15,000, £6,000 and £4,000 for the first, second and third boats to complete the course, there is the added incentive of a £100,000 bonus for the first boat to beat the current fastest recorded time of 26 days, 21 hours and 14 minutes for the complete coastal circumnavigation. Crews have to carry their own food and water on board and will use solar power for GPS and communications systems.

Ben Green, Marketing Manager at Harwin plc, said: “GB Row 2013 is a real test of commitment and endurance by the participants and very much in the British spirit of endeavour. Fewer people have completed a non-stop unaided circumnavigation of Britain in a rowing boat than have stood on the Moon. The current record was first established by a team from the Grenadier Guards as recently as 2005. This race is all about fast response to changing conditions and meeting challenges as they arise, which reflects the fast changing and evolving nature of our industry as well. Harwin is extremely proud to be involved as support sponsors and will be avidly following the teams’ progress live at www.gbrowchallenge.com.”