James Cracknell rows the Channel

When James Cracknell was putting together his Sports Relief England to Africa mission, he needed a boat that he trusted to row from Portsmouth to Calais. As the UK's leader in Coastal Rowing, he came to talk to us about what craft would give him the best chance.

The Channel rowing and swimming season runs from June to August, so an attempt in late February was full of risks. Instead of a 3 hour cruise, James spent over six hours, sculling one hand at a time, powering through up to nine foot swells. his Burgashell Coastal Scull, damaged on an early capsize and collision with the support boat, survived the epic journey and a night landing in France.