Last month’s fine weather allowed many to get out of the house but the calm conditions gave one Basingstoke resident the opportunity to take on a charity challenge.
Peter Mansell, of Basingstoke and Deane Canoe Club, paddled solo around the Isle of Wight in less than a day to raise money towards a new clubhouse. He completed the 120km route in 23 hours passing treacherous landmarks such as The Needles, Hurst Split and St Catherine’s Point. The challenge involved rowing almost non-stop on the anti-clockwise course having set off from Lepe Country Park. At time paddling in complete darkness, Peter had only the sound of breaking waves t indicate the presence of rocks hidden just below the surface.
He recalled: “This section was more mentally and physically demanding, trying to stay alert, avoid rocks and not drift too far out where the tide race might form. At 1am when I reached Sandown Bay I just wanted to land”
The challenge not only fulfilled a personal ambition but also raised money for the Martin Booth Memorial Fund. Martin had worked with Peter to try and develop a Canoe Clubhouse on the Basingstoke Canal at Odiham. Unfortunately Martin died in 2009 but business colleagues continued to fund his cause. It is hoped sponsorship from the event will top £500. The club is run by a group of 20 volunteers with qualified coaches in a range of canoeing disciplines.
For more information on Basingstoke and Deane Canoe Club visit www.badpallders.org
