January 2009 Friday 23rd January at 7pm on BBC2, a documentary re-enacts
the 'Scilly Boys' Challenge 
People
will remember that Pirates 2nd team captain Wayne Davey, along with Tim Garratt,
Chris Jenkins and Joby Newton, attempted last summer to row from New York to the
Bishop Rock, and beat the record for a four-person crew of 55 days and 13 hours.
After
2 weeks at sea and 650 miles into their journey, at 1am in darkness, high winds,
poor visibility and 420 miles from the nearest land, the 4 Cornish rowers sent
out a distress call to Falmouth Coastguard. The disappointment
was that the elements had conspired against them, causing the 29 foot vessel to
capsize in high winds and poor visibility, but immense relief and good news to
hear that all four crew were rescued following a search co-ordinated by the US
Coastguard. Euan Rodger, on behalf of key sponsors Tresco
Estate, commented at the time: "Their challenge had captured the imagination
of the world." In conclusion, it was clear that
the training given had paid off in an emergency, and everyone was delighted to
hear that the brave crew emerged from the ordeal safe and sound. A
fully deserved, rousing reception awaited them in the Isles of Scilly on their
return, and Wayne and Tim were both special guests of the Pirates when the team
played Exeter Chiefs at Camborne in September. Also, at
the same time a collection was held for charities that the crew had chosen to
support - namely the RNLI's 'Train One, Save Many' crew training appeal, the Cornwall
Air Ambulance Trust, 'Above & Beyond' -enhancing Bristol's Special Baby Care
Unit, and Breakthrough Breast Cancer. See Also:
Transatlantic
Challenge - Rowing Home
Transatlantic
Challenge - Rowers Rescued
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