BMEA

Kannad Marine has invited intrepid adventurers to step forward for their chance of winning a free SafeLink SOLO PLB, a Personal Locator Beacon, in a unique monthly giveaway, simply by entering their details online at www.kannadmarine.com/giveaway. The competition was launched at the Marine European Trade Show (METS) in November. Kannad Marine have since received many entries from innovative individuals, from those seeking to go further or faster than before, and from those undertaking challenges to raise money for charitable causes.

The first award winners to be selected by Kannad Marine certainly represents many of those goals: Russell Belcher and Aaron Price are planning to circumnavigate Britain in a tandem sea kayak, using only wind, waves and paddles for power. Their Natural Elements Circumnavigation kayaking challenge is the most extreme of its kind to be attempted to date, and is expected to take around 90 days to complete, beginning in February 2011. The team, known as Open Horizons, hopes to raise money and awareness for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, a charity which supported Russell’s family following the death of a close family member from Motor Neurone Disease four years ago.

Aaron explains: “Our challenge is very unique because we will be the first people to attempt this trip during winter conditions, and we will also be using a kite to help power our kayak which is very different to anything done in the past. We are both experienced kayakers, but neither has undertaken such an extreme challenge before. We are not competing against anyone else in this; we simply wanted a new and creative challenge to help a charity that is close to our hearts.”

Aaron went on to explain “Russell has lost a close member of his family to MND and has seen what it can do to people and families first hand. MND is a progressive neuro-degenerative disease that attacks the bodies motor neurone system, this leads to the weakness and wasting of the muscles causing loss of mobility in the limbs as well as difficulties with talking, breathing and swallowing. MND is not very well known but can affect any adult at any time. Five people a day die in the UK from MND.”

On learning of their award, Russell commented: “This award means so much to us. To have received this support from Kannad Marine and be given such a vital piece of safety equipment is brilliant. Without it we may have been forced to postpone our trip. Now we are looking forward to setting off on our challenge and to achieving our goal, thanks to the help of Kannad Marine.”

Kannad Marine award SafeLink SOLO PLB to first winner of monthly competition: a tandem sea kayak challenge for Motor Neurone Disease Association
 
Whether it’s a kayaking trip around the UK, a windsurfing distance record attempt, a transatlantic rowing feat, or a single-handed yacht race, with a lightweight and compact SafeLink SOLO PLB on board, adventurers can set off to achieve their goals with peace of mind. The SafeLink SOLO PLB’s integral 406MHz beacon can be activated in life-threatening situations to alert search and rescue authorities to the individual’s position, anywhere in the world and no matter how remote.

Claire Morby, Marketing Co-ordinator for McMurdo Ltd, comments: “Everyone embarking on a challenging voyage should carry a PLB. The SafeLink SOLO PLB is waterproof, durable and intuitive, so it is perfect for boaters, skiers, divers, and other outdoor enthusiasts. We are delighted to be able to support and publicise our winners, and to help ensure their safety at all times during their challenge with the SafeLink SOLO PLB. We wish Russell and Aaron every success on their trip, which will begin early in New Year.”

Kannad Marine’s competition continues online at www.kannadmarine.com/giveaway, with more chances to win a SafeLink SOLO PLB in 2011. Price :  At RRP (excluding tax) of just £245 (UK), €295 (Europe), $390 (USA) the SafeLink SOLO PLB represents excellent value for money. Availability : See www.kannadmarine.com