Crossing the Solent in a pumpkin? World record attempt at Trafalgar Wharf

As you all know, we take boating pretty seriously round here. We’re always looking at ways to get people afloat and to enjoy more time out on the water. Even if that does involve giant vegetables…

This week we’ve been digging through the archives only to find that that it was 9 years ago that Trafalgar supported contemporary artist Dmitri Galitzine in fulfilling his dreams to cross the Solent in a giant pumpkin. Not only that, but to walk away with a Guinness World record under his belt!

Giant Pumpkin, take 1!

First up was the world record attempt to achieve the fastest 100m paddled in a pumpkin. With the press poised and ready to take in the remarkable spectacle, Dmitri boarded his vessel to take on the challenge! Watch the On Demand News Coverage of the event. 

Not satisfied with his 100m world speed record, Dmitri set his eyes on the Solent. With the help of the team at RIB’s For Sale, the giant pumpkin was fitted with a small outboard motor which enabled the vegetable to move at a pace of 1 – 2 knots across one of the busiest shipping channels in the world.

The captain of the pumpkin managed to reach the Isle of Wight in a mere 1 hour and 56 minutes, with the journey going so well, he even turned around and sailed back to Portsmouth. 

Should anyone be thinking of crossing the Solent in other giant vegetables or fruit, we would only be too happy to help!