JETSKIER Paul Pinel plans to attempt the Round Britain Jetski Challenge alone - but he can go ahead and do so, starting on 26 July, only if a guard boat and support crew can be found.
Pinel was due to have set out on 21 July accompanied by Eric Blakely, but the latter has had to withdraw from the challenge for personal reasons and Pinel has had to delay the start slightly.
Pinel said this morning: ‘I am absolutely gutted.
This has been my dream for such a long time and now it looks as though it may have to be postponed.’ The problem is that with Blakely out of the equation, the support van which was to have been followed the jetskiers around Britain to provide overnight accommodation and to carry the necessary spares for the jetskis, will now probably have to pull out too.
‘I am desperately hoping to be able to take the support van and crew, but I now also need a full-time guard boat to accompany me.
With two of us skiing we didn’t need a full-time guard boat for several stages of the challenge, but I can’t do something like this alone.
It is just too dangerous and I have two children to look after.
I wouldn’t take that risk,’ Pinel said.
He is still hoping to be abe to set off in three weeks’ time, so is appealing for any one who may be able to help to contact him as soon as possible.
‘I need a guard boat and crew, I need additional sponsorship to cover fuel, and I need to borrow a hand-held VHS radio and GPS,’ he said.
‘Otherwise it just won’t happen.’ Further information from Paul Pinel telephone 746116, email paul@jetskichallenge.co.uk or visit www.jetskichallenge.co.uk
Article posted on 5th July, 2004 - 12.00am
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