The historical background to the Kavanagh/Fisher/Evans attempts to finish the DW.

In 2000, John and Adrian entered this race. That year the river levels were very high (the Environment Agency had issued a Red Alert, meaning that no boats should be moving on the Thames). The race started anyway and we found the flow on the Kennet and Avon was causing problems with fast water flowing in from unexpected directions. Things got more exciting when we got on to the Thames in the dark. Not knowing our way and realising that, if we went up a weir stream instead of a lock cut, it would be impossible to escape, we pulled up at Shiplake to wait for the morning. When we could see what we were up against we decided to retire, which was just as well as the race had already been abandoned because one pair got themselves marooned on a weir for some hours before they could be rescued.

In 2001 and 2002 we did not have time available to do the required training.

In 2003, John had a second attempt, this time with Neil as partner, with Adrian providing support during the night. The water levels were not very high but the morning of the start brought 20mph Easterly winds (i.e. a head wind). This made life difficult and it was also very cold. We therefore set off an hour earlier than planned and we just about got to Teddington in time to catch the tide window. Once on the tideway the problems increased, with wind against tide building up some sizeable waves and we went for a swim at Kew Bridge. At this point the cold and fatigue were too much for us and we had to retire (having persuaded a lifeboat crew that we did not need taking to hospital).

Having learnt some lessons about the level of training and preparation required, I was determined to complete this race. 2004 saw John and Adrian in the boat with Neil providing stalwart support. As you will see from Adrian’s report we finished and I am delighted to announce my retirement from DW racing.