Sailing around New Zealand's South Island in an inflatable boat
Tess Biles, 1st September 2017, Boat
When David Puklowski's friend Russell Blowers was diagnosed with Rickets Disease, he knew he wanted to do something to help. So what better why then setting himself a mammoth challenge to raise funds for friends treatment?
Friends Russell Blowers (left), and David Puklowski (right).
In April 2017 David Pulklowski began his epic journey of sailing around New Zealand's South Island on board a 3.8 meter rigid hull inflatable boat, in just 19 days. Becoming the first smallest powered craft to make this journey!
What makes this challenge so difficult?
This trip represents lots of challenges. The boat size, being so small, means being out in extreme conditions has its risks, and there is also limited room to take much in the way of supplies.
The official website David set up, for his loved ones to track his journey, goes on to explain the challenges regarding the motor, fatigue, safety etc. For further reading about the difficulties this challenge represented and photographs, check out the website here.
The boat itself!
What is Rickets Disease?
X-Linked Hypophosphatemic Rickets is a reasonably rare disease which stops Russell from absorbing vitamin D and causes his kidneys to lose phosphate, resulting in many skeletal problems as his bones grow abnormally and the long bones of the extremities (Tibia, Femur, Radius and Ulna) become bowed.
Abnormal parietal flattening and frontal bossing occur in the skull. The cartilaginous attachments of the ribs become prominent. Spinal curvature, muscle pain, profuse sweating and general tenderness of the body are all signs and symptoms that are common with Rickets.
See the journey
To see the route David sailed, video footage of his journey and more. Visit their official website and Facebook page.
Official Website
Official Facebook Page
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