Whisky Focus - Old Pulteney Row To The North Pole Finalists

On Saturday 20th November, Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch Whisky put 48 international adventurers to the ultimate test in the Pole Position Live Finals. The unique global completion attracted entries from all over the world, with applicants eager to win a place on Old Pulteney Row to the Pole – a world first arctic adventure.

The Old Pulteney Pole Position competition was launched in September to put global thrill seekers to the ultimate test. Sponsored by Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch Whisky, the competition offers one extraordinary person the once in a lifetime opportunity to become an active crew member in a record breaking expedition.

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 Canada on a 450 mile route across the arctic and are searching for one determined person to join them. The voyage will require extreme physical and mental endurance and if successful, will make history.

To enter Old Pulteney Pole Position, applicants were asked to apply online and state why they have what it takes to become Jock’s 6th crew member. Hundreds of international entrants applied and a shortlist of forty five finalists competed head-to-head in the Pole Position Challenge Day on Saturday 20th November at Eton Rowing Centre, the Olympic rowing centre for 2012. To test their physical and mental abilities, contestants battled it out in a two and a half hour endurance row, group interviews and psychometric tests. The winner will be announced at the London Boat Show in January and will receive personal training from Jock before embarking on the life changing expedition in August 2011.

Jock Wishart says:
"The competition has attracted a huge volume of international entries, all of an incredibly high standard. When you’re planning an Arctic expedition, the most important thing is your crew, we are confident that we will find an extraordinary person amongst the fantastic group of finalists to join our expedition team."

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.
 

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