Shetland Bus kayakers’ second attempt

TWO ADVENTURERS paddling 200 miles from Shetland to Norway appear to be making good progress.

Sports broadcaster Patrick Winterton and extreme rower Olli Hicks set off in their double sea kayak Larsen from Skerries in the early hours of Wednesday.

The pair, together with a third companion Mick Berwick, had to abandon a similar attempt two years ago due to the weather and because their single kayaks proved to be unsuitable for the job.

On Wednesday afternoon, supported by westerly winds, Winterton and Hicks were already about 40 miles east of Skerries.

They embarked on their adventure to commemorate the heroes of the war time Shetland Bus who crossed these waters in small fishing boats in the winter and always in danger of being discovered by the German air force.

Winterton and Hicks are also raising funds for the RNLI and the Make a Wish Foundation.

On their website at www.kayaksonshetlandbus.org they said: “At last after two years, we are back on the water – sadly without Mick – there’s no room for three in a double!

“We have been training separately and together when our jobs have allowed – in the new boat – a large double sea kayak, designed by Rob Feloy and Inuk Kayak, and built by Kirton Kayaks. 

“After many months training and a couple of years of boat preparation we are much looking forward to getting on with the attempt in mid summer 2013!”

They are expected to arrive in Bergen on Saturday. Their progress can be tracked at: http://www.kayaksonshetlandbus.org/Pages/tracking.html