Felix Lane Set For Atlantic Challenge

Felix Lane, 17, from River Fowey Gig Club has progressed quickly since joining the sport in 2020. Having represented Cornwall in the National County Championships in 2023 Felix has now been selected to represent Great Britain in the Atlantic Challenge Contest of Seamanship.

Founded in 1984, Atlantic Challenge is a worldwide organisation that educates young people through traditional seamanship skills. Every two years, the Atlantic Challenge Contest of Seamanship is held by a different host country, bringing together crews from countries spanning the Atlantic Ocean.

Photo credit: Terry Girling

The contest takes place over 7 days and features 11 different events, which include rowing and sailing races, as well as ropework and navigation competitions. 

Each crew competes in an 18th century Captain’s Gig replica also known as a Bantry Bay Gig. Longer and wider than a Cornish Pilot Gig, the boats are 38ft long with 10 oars and a three-masted dipping lug sailing rig. The sailing rig is simple, meaning the two largest sails must be lowered and raised on the other side of the mast each time the gig is turned on the wind. The gigs require a crew of thirteen to get the best from the boats.

Photo credit: Atlantic Challenge GB

The Atlantic Challenge GB Gig Intégrité was built by the late John Kerr, in 1992. Intégrité is one of 80 Atlantic Challenge Gigs ever built and Great Britain is one of only 14 nations lucky enough to have one.  

In July this year, Atlantic Challenge GB will be taking a crew of 17 young people from across England, Scotland and Wales to compete in the 2024 Atlantic Challenge Contest of Seamanship in Belfast, Maine, USA. 

The organisation has made a huge impact on the gig rowing community. 11 of the 17 crew heading to the USA have a background in gig rowing. 

Felix explained, “I first learnt about ACGB at the National County Championships in 2023 from some friends who were already part of the crew. I couldn’t wait to apply!”

After finding out his application was successful, Felix has been training hard alongside his crew mates. Felix said, “I’m really looking forward to it and feel incredibly proud to be able to represent GB.”

Although the team is based all over the country, crew members are required to meet virtually on a regular basis and follow a daily training program to help improve and maintain their fitness. 

Felix expressed his excitement for the contest: “I love racing so I am really looking forward to the competition itself. Being part of a crew and meeting new people with similar interests is something I’m really excited about, as well as gaining skills I wouldn’t otherwise have the chance to learn. I have never been abroad so it’s a very exciting opportunity.”

In order to compete, crew members have to fundraise the sum of £2,200 to help cover costs for things such as training camps, travel, boat shipping, team kit, food and accommodation during the contest. 

Felix has a very unique way of fundraising that relies on his creativity and craftsmanship. 

Felix explained, “I make wooden spoons using traditional techniques and tools. I use Greenwood, wood that has been felled recently, therefore has a high moisture content. This makes the wood fibres softer and easier to carve with hand tools. 

Photo credit: Felix Lane

Influenced by the Cornish Landscape, Felix’s designs feature a collection of eating, serving and cooking spoons. Felix further described: “It’s a sustainable way of working with wood both for your body and the environment. The wood I use is either storm fallen, coppiced timber or wood from our farm in Cornwall.”

Photo credit: Felix Lane

Felix is just over half way of his fundraising target, he said,  “Last year I was a stallholder at Makers Cornwall Christmas Fair and it was brilliant. Thanks to everyone that has already purchased my spoons! It really means a lot and I’m very grateful.”

Best of luck to Felix and the rest of his crew taking part in the Atlantic Challenge International Contest of Seamanship in July.

Felix sells his spoons via his online shop which you can visit by clicking here.

Alternatively, you can support Felix’s fundraising by donating to his GoFundMe campaign.

To find out more about Atlantic Challenge International, here. To find out more about Atlantic Challenge Great Britain click here.