Intrepid travelers keen to win the 2014 River Canal Rescue Cruising Challenge trophy
(recognising the most enterprising non-continuous journey) can log journeys
undertaken since the last Inland Waterway Association Festival rather than wait
until the usual ‘beginning of year’ qualifying period.
RCR
and the IWA have given entrants more time to log journeys to encourage greater
exploration of the UK waterway system, particularly useful as participants
receive additional points if they visit lesser-used waterways and reach distant
end-of-navigations and inland tidal sections.
Anyone
attending the Saul Waterways Pageant (23-25 August) and submitting their log in
person, with or without boat, is eligible to enter. In the past, only those
turning up with their craft could apply.
RCR
MD Stephanie Horton said: “In previous years the timescales have been limited,
making the more inaccessible parts of the system difficult to visit. By extending the qualifying period from last
year’s Festival to this new event, we’re providing entrants with greater
flexibility when it comes to route planning and we’re opening the competition
up to a wider audience.”
The
only restriction for the RCR Cruising Challenge Trophy is that no section of
canal or river may be counted more than once in the same direction in the same
calendar month. Entrants are required to
supply a full cruising log at the 2014 Waterways Pageant, showing miles and locks,
which must be supported with evidence (photographic or otherwise) of reaching
key destinations during the cruise.
Judges will consider the log presentation and the overall cruise
content, rather than the longest journey.
The
qualifying period for the other two RCR-sponsored trophies; the Robert Aickman
Challenge (most enterprising journey) and AP Herbert (longest journey) remains
around eight weeks before the summer event and boat travel is required when
submitting logs. RCR will continue to
give away a year’s free gold, silver and bronze memberships to the three trophy
winners.
To
find out more, contact Awards organiser Paul Chilvers on 07774 164413.
Downloadable entry forms are available from the IWA website- www.waterways.org.uk - and information on River Canal
Rescue is at www.rivercanalrescue.co.uk
Ends
