In July, Matthew Ponsonby and Giles Johnson won our respect by undertaking a 4 day row in incredibly challenging conditions to raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital and the Marine Conservation Society

The pair rowed in Rannoch R25 Pegasus from Ilfracombe, around the Pembrokeshire coast and up to Aberystwyth. This was the ultimate non-stop mini adventure with full support from Rannoch staff in our protector RIB, Ranger.

Matthew and Giles had initially planned to row to the furthest northerly point of England, the closest to Scotland that they could get (without breaking any government guidelines).

Unfortunately, due to brutal weather from the north and limited time available, they had to cut the row short and finish in Aberystwyth.  

Here’s a short breakdown of the 4 days:

Day 1 – delayed start due to bad weather, leaving at 8pm from Ilfracombe.

Day 2 – solid 14 hour rowing shift through previous night to get in much needed miles before more bad weather hit.

Day 3 – rowing through the Bitches, a tidal race and set of rocks between Ramsey Island and the Welsh coastline near St David’s, popular with extreme sports enthusiasts.

Day 4 – battered by North Easterly winds, driving rain and strong tides. Decision had to be made to cut the row short.

A really strong and admirable effort by two very determined guys. If you would like to donate to Great Ormond Street Hospital or the Marine Conservation Society please follow the link below to their fundraising pages.

https://elink.io/p/94f922a?fbclid=IwAR0wcBNlS4g_YKGS7NeUaNKUPYMlYTog3XEDYAqoTS6vXAvj9sr3s0nujfc