3rd December  We have linked up with Paignton Zoo for research purposes. A day was spent at the Zoo and also their newly opened Living Coast centre. Interveiws were done by Carlton TV and Gemini Radio as well as local papers.                              

Radio Devon Website

Press Release

December 3rd 2003

LIVING CHALLENGE 2004

On Wednesday 3^rd December 2003 a South West team will launch their bid to be the first four-man crew to row the Atlantic Ocean.

The launch of the project, sponsored by Queensgate Instruments Ltd, takes place at Living Coasts in Torquay, Devon.

The team, in their 24 foot boat 'Queensgate', will set out from La Gomera, in the Canary Islands, on 20^th January 2004. The 3,000 mile row to Barbados is expected to take about 60 days. It will not only take courage and sheer physical effort but will be a test of friendship, the ability to work as a team and, most of all, will challenge their mental stamina. 

Living Coasts, Paignton Zoo's marine aviary at Torquay, will be asking the team to observe and log marine data, while Paignton Zoo will be asking team members to monitor their interactions. Scientists will then observe conflict management during tense situations onboard the boat and compare this to how the Zoo's group of four bachelor gorillas react to resolve conflict. The gorillas are currently being studied for a PhD by Zoo researcher Kirsten Pullen.

In supporting this world record attempt, Queensgate Instruments Ltd, Living Coasts and Paignton Zoo hope to achieve worldwide recognition of a major nautical challenge whilst enhancing the understanding of our natural marine environment and continuing research into the behaviour of man and primates.

Living Coasts & Queensgate Instruments Ltd would like to invite you to a press conference to be held on Wednesday 3^rd December at 1.30pm at Living Coasts where the Living Challenge Project will be launched.

The four rowers and 'Queensgate', the specially designed boat they will be using to make their world record attempt, will be present at the press conference.

12th-21st September Southampton Boat Show. The boat is on display all week in the Adventurer's Zone. The crew will be there too, to answer any questions.

The naming of the boat "Queensgate" took place on the 12th Sept and was a success. Rally driver Sophie Robinson did the naming and a cheque was handed to the crew by Ian Bye Chairman of Queensgate Instruments.

25th-30th August We will be on display at Dartmouth Royal Regatta mostly in the Royal Avenue Gardens and Coronation Park. Please come along and see us to donate or to simply ask any questions. We will also be racing as the Atlantic Challenge Crew in the Invitation Whaler race on Friday 29th.

Friday 8th August Auction Of Promises. Thank you to everyone who attended and Dartmouth Rugby Club for hosting us. £1400 was raised. 

Friday 19th July Sponsored Cycle/Row around Devon. Cycling to every Rowing Club and then rowing there championship course. There are 7 clubs in Devon. The 1st £600 raised will go towards buying new whaler blades for the Dartmouth Regatta Committee.  Thank you to everyone who supported us on our ride/row around Devon. We Raised over £1000 and the regatta committee get a new set of Whaler blades.

Tuesday 24th June - South Hams Radio (100.5-101.9FM) 10am

Friday May 23rd - South Hams Radio (100.5-101.9 FM) 10am.                          We are being interviewed on-air.

Sunday May 18th Sainsburys, Torquay for an 8hr row 10am-6pm. Unfortunately this has been postponed.

March 17th 2003

12hr Row at Torbay Leisure Centre

With the help of TLC we were able to hold the first of several planned sponsored rows in public places. Starting at 8am and finishing at 8pm, we rowed over 206 miles and raised over £200 towards the challenge.

Thank you to all the staff at the Centre for their support.