Human Powered Boat to Attempt World Record

Greg Kolodziejzyk (adventuresofgreg here at YachtPals) is planning on pedaling his human-powered boat Within across the Atlantic ocean. He says he's out to set a new world record for the fastest human powered Atlantic crossing. We say that's pretty incredible.

Greg's voyage, scheduled to begin in December from the Canary Islands, is planned to conclude in Barbados. The usual distances that various ocean rowers have covered over this route are 2700 to 3000 miles. Currently the record is held by Emmanuel Coindre in 2004. He rowed across in Ladybird in 42 days 14 hours 32 minutes. While not covering exactly the same route (landing in Guadalupe), it is apparently considered by the Ocean Rowing Society to be equivalent for the record.

Within is being tested now, and is based on a kayak which is 22 feet long by 28 inches wide. A custom full deck has been fabricated and permanently bonded to the kayak hull. The aerodynamic deck will feature a wrap around window and hatch on the top for entry and exit. The power train consists of pedals, which drive a chain, which drives a right-angle gear box, spinning a 2-blade propeller. Greg calculates that at 80 rpm, Within's speed is about 8 to 9 kph.

Stability for the ocean crossing will be achieved with a weighted keel suspended below the boat. According to Greg: "There are three water tight compartments: the cockpit where I will sit and pedal, the rear cabin where I will sleep, and the front supplies storage area. Solid buoyancy compartments in the bow and stern will ensure that Within cannot sink. Air trapped in one or more of these three compartments, along with the ballast and the keel will ensure that Within flips upright if capsized."

Let's hope he's right, but being a prudent guy, Greg has asked us to mention that he is in need of a support/safety boat for his December, 2008 attempt from the Canary Islands to the West Indies. He says he can pay costs and provide crew if required. So, if you'd like to help set a world record, you can leave a comment here, or contact him from his YachtPals page.

• Photo: GK
• Video: TV interview with Greg