Support Boats

The London to Paris rowing team were supported by a RIB (Rigid inflatable boat) pictured above and three guard boats.  The RIB was lent to the team by local boat builders and chandlery company Boatworks+.

The RIB was used for rower transfers and to guide the rowing boat during river passages. This vessel was so important to the success of the challenge that the team decided to take a spare inflatable in case of mechanical problems with the primary RIB.

Guard boat "Tristan" (an Aqua-Star 45 shown above) skippered by Rob Platts was accompanied by "Lecca Lecca" (a Sunseeker 54) skippered by Roger Martel.

"Lecca Lecca" of Taylor Made Yacht Charters available for charter out of Guernsey Tel: 01481 252624

Both boats supported the Amsterdam challenge in 2002. These vessels will be home to the rowers during the challenge.

The team was further strengthened by "Access Challenger" (a 36ft fast charter vessel pictured above) skippered by Buz White. Access Challenger provided a base for the very important RIB drivers and the TV crew.

The 16 support crew (four on each guard boat and four RIB crew)  worked in four hour shifts. Each guard boat was crewed by very experienced and well qualified skippers and crew.