Marion The Making Waves boat, 'Marion', was first used in the 1997 trans-Atlantic rowing race. Unfortunately the attempt ended unsuccessfully after just two days when a severe storm caused the withdrawal, and hospitalisation, of crew David Riches and Peter Haining. In 2002 the boat and crew returned to calmer waters to compete in, and win, the Great River Race in London.

'Marion-Lviv' The boat was then borrowed by 65-year old Ukranian Pavel Rezvoy, and renamed 'Marion-Lviv' after his home city of Lviv. He became the world's oldest ocean rower by successfully crossing the Atlantic from the Canary Islands to Barbados solo in early 2004. His enthusiasm led him to then become the first ocean rower to cross the Caribbean Sea to Cuba, and he finally ended his journey in Jamaica in June 2004.

Making Waves - 'Marion' The boat was then shipped back to the UK, and overhauled in preparation for the 2005 Atlantic Rowing Race. The boat again entered the Great River Race in September 2004 - the Making Waves crew having their first outing in the boat - and finished 8th overall. In July 2005 she was renamed 'Marion' by Sir Steve Redgrave at Henley Royal Regatta. Another Great River Race and the Thames Descent followed as preparations for another ocean row. In February 2006 'Marion' reached Antigua after a successful Atlantic crossing by the Making Waves crew.

The boat design and vital statistics

Most of the ocean rowing boats used today are built from the same successful design, dating back to 1995. Boat builders Phil Morrison and Peter Rowsell produce marine plywood kits for ocean rowers to build their own boat. Alternatively there are plenty of second-hand boats from previous attempts to buy or rent. Answers to some frequently asked questions about ocean rowing boats can be found here.

Name: Marion

Length: 7.1m
Width: 1.9m
Weight: 750kg fully laden

Self-righting

Designed to be rowed by two people