Crew Member Wanted to Attempt one of the Last Great World Firsts
Old Pulteney Launch Global Search for Record Breaking Arctic Explorer
Internationally renowned Scottish explorer Jock Wishart and Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch Whisky have today announced a new international competition to find the final crew member for a pioneering arctic expedition –The Old Pulteney Row to the Pole.
The Old Pulteney Pole Position Challenge will put the world’s thrill seekers to the ultimate test to see if they have what it takes to make history. They will join a remarkable mission to conquer what could be one of the world’s last true ‘firsts’ – a rowing attempt to the North Pole.
In August 2011, adventurer and sportsman Jock Wishart will lead a six strong crew through some of the harshest conditions on earth in an attempt to row to the Magnetic North Pole. In a specially designed ‘ice boat’, Jock and his crew will set off from Resolute Bay in Canada and the Pole Position winner will be given the once in a lifetime opportunity to join them.
The Old Pulteney Pole Position Challenge was created to offer one determined individual the chance to do something beyond the extraordinary. The 450 mile route across the arctic will require extreme physical and mental endurance and dedicated individuals that feel they have the potential to become a member of Jock’s crew can apply online now at: www.rowtothepole.com.
Shortlisted entrants will be selected by Jock and invited to showcase their fitness, team building and mental abilities by competing head-to-head in a Pole Position Challenge Day on 20th November. The winner will be personally trained by Jock in the lead-up to the expedition and will join the crew in August 2011 in their attempt to create history.
The Old Pulteney Row to the Pole is of global significance as both a pioneering maritime adventure and an environmental expedition. The voyage has never been undertaken before and is only now possible due to the increase in seasonal ice melt of the Arctic landscape. The attempt will be captured on camera for UK and international audiences and will follow Jock’s preparations and the 4-6 week long row where his team will face dramatic ice-bound coastlines and shifting sea-ice barriers. His background as an expedition leader and his long track record of organising successful record attempts will stand him in good stead as he faces his biggest challenge to date.
Jock Wishart says:
“When you’re planning an Arctic expedition the most important thing is your crew. When Shackleton asked for his crew he made it clear what kind of people he needed: “Men wanted for hazardous journey. Small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful, honour and recognition in case of success.
The Old Pulteney Row to the Pole will hopefully not be as dangerous as Shackleton’s adventure but there will be plenty of excitement, adventure and opportunities for the Pole Position winner to test their mettle and physical stamina.”
Old Pulteney’s partnership with Jock is rooted in the whisky’s renowned maritime heritage and history of supporting sailing and seafaring adventure. The whisky is distilled in the historic harbour town of Wick, the most northerly distillery on the UK mainland and the windswept and rugged landscape that surrounds it has given the malt its legacy as the Maritime Malt.
Margaret Mary Clarke, Senior Brand Manager for Old Pulteney commented:
“Old Pulteney is delighted to launch the Pole Position Challenge which will offer one person the unique opportunity to become a record breaking arctic explorer. We will be supporting Jock throughout his search for a final crew member and are confident the competition will attract some truly exceptional entrants.”
For further information on Pole Position and to access the online application form visit: www.rowtothepole.com
Deadline for entries: 1st November 2010
Notes
• The certified position (1996) of the North Magnetic Pole is 78 degrees, 35.724 minutes North, 104 degrees, 11.915 minutes West.
• See Jock Wishart’s biography attached for more information on his previous feats as an oarsman, polar explorer and navigator.
Jock Wishart
Jock, is a descendant of Scotland’s national bard Robert Burns, with a successful background in polar exploration, rowing and extreme navigational feat, He is firmly established as one of the UK’s leading adventurers and explorers. He led the team which established fifteen new world speed records for powered circumnavigation and captained the team that broke the London to Paris rowing record in 1999. He has a lifetime interest in polar exploration and in 1992 journey he was part of the first team to walk unsupported to the Geomagnetic North Pole.
Old Pulteney Single Malt Whisky
Old Pulteney Single Malt Whisky, is diligently crafted at Pulteney Distillery in Wick. It is the most northerly distillery on the UK Mainland and was founded in 1826 by James Henderson at the height of Wick’s herring boom. The distillery lies in the heart of ‘Pulteneytown’, which was created for all the fishermen at the time, and is embedded in the deep rooting history of this coastal town, which used to be one of the most important and biggest herring fishing ports in Europe.
Old Pulteney Single Malt whisky has a long standing association with the sea and is also known as the ‘Maritime Malt’. Its carefully crafted taste carries the windswept and rugged character of the North, the salty and fresh air of the North Sea and the distillery’s rich maritime heritage runs through every drop of this fine malt.
International Beverage Holdings
International Beverage Holdings (www.interbevgroup.com) was established in 2005 as the international arm of ThaiBev, one of South East Asia’s leading alcohol beverage companies. With a network of regional offices in Asia, Europe and North America, the company is responsible for the production, sales, marketing and distribution of a portfolio of premium global brands in over 80 countries and territories.
Inver House Distillers (www.inverhouse.com) is globally integrated into International Beverage Holdings and drives the distillation and maturation of Scotch through its five distilleries.
International Beverage brands include:
Chang Beer: Thailand’s iconic beer brand
Single Malt Scotch Whiskies: Old Pulteney, Balblair, anCnoc, Speyburn
Blended Whiskies: Hankey Bannister
Mekhong: ‘The Spirit of Thailand’ since 1941
Caorunn – a small batch distilled Scottish Gin infused with 5 Celtic botanicals.
The company’s success is built on the combination of a strong understanding of local cultures and markets with the creation of a truly global operational network. Brand building pays respect to heritage, provenance and craftsmanship whilst delivering innovative and highly effective strategies at global level. A skilled and dedicated team of people of more than 12 nationalities, speaking over 14 languages delivers the highest standards of customer service and attention to detail across all aspects of the business.
