Land Rover Global 1998 - Part 7

18th Jun 1998

Cruising

Finally, we embarked on a water cruise of the Bering Strait. The strongest current there is the Wales current (3 knots) near the tip of the Seward Peninsula. We struggled to cross it and endured a greater struggle to return to the launch site.
Cruising

Nevertheless, we concluded that the tests were successful. We felt that the Strait could readily be crossed with a vehicle-powered amphibious unit provided a maximum speed of 8 to 10 knots could be attained. We had proved that the Land Rover Global Expedition was feasible.

lrg3_001

After 2 ½ months working in the Alaskan wilderness, we bid goodbye to Dan and the Inuits who we had become so friendly with and boarded the Hercules for the flight home. Three days later we were back in 'Blighty' raring to get started on one of the last great challenges on earth.

Within a month of being home, I was asked to carry out another recce, this time of the English Channel. Along with another Max Adventure colleague, Paul Kerr, the two of us scoured the length and breadth of England, France and Belgium around the area of the Channel crossing. We checked out every possible launch and landing site, liaised with the Coastguard, RNLI, Air Sea Rescue, Police, Customs & Immigration, sorted out team accommodation and storage facilities for the vehicles and equipment. Another huge document was compiled.

While I was carrying out this recce, the three mechanics set about building the 3 Defender 110 Hardtops that would be used to complete this mammoth journey. Painted gold to represent Land Rover's 50th anniversary, they were later used to support the Freelanders on Land Rover's 'Fifty 50' project - fifty countries in fifty days.

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