Graduate sets sights on world rowing record
A University of Bradford alum and honorary graduate is looking to break a rowing record for his latest gruelling challenge.
Kevin Gaskell, a former Porsche and BMW UK CEO, is part of a five-man team, known as the Ocean5 crew, looking to cross the Pacific Ocean.
The crew will set off from Monterey, California, on Sunday 8 June aiming to cross the 2,800 nautical mile route over the Pacific Ocean to Hanalei Kauai in Hawaii in record time, targeting 45 days against the current world record time of 52 days.
Kevin, 66, will make history by becoming the oldest person ever to row the Pacific.
He said: “This is another challenge and a fresh adventure. It is an opportunity to push the boundaries of human endurance.
“I want to show that age is no limit to achieving extraordinary things. Our team is prepared for the immense physical and mental challenge ahead, and we are committed to breaking records while supporting a cause that makes a real difference.”
Meet the Ocean5 crew
Kevin is joined by team-mates, his son Matt Gaskell, Tom Higham, Patrick Deacon and Stephen Greenan. The Ocean5 team will embark on a gruelling journey of more than 3,200 miles, battling unpredictable ocean currents, extreme weather conditions and the mental and physical strain of continuous rowing. Living off freeze-dried rations and high calorie snacks, they will each burn around 6,000 calories a day.
The crew are hoping to raise more than £50,000 for the Lewis Moody Foundation (LMF). Go to the crew’s webpage to make a donation.
Founded by former Leicester, Bath, England and British Lions rugby player, Lewis Moody, the LMF has organised challenging adventures for the past 10 years to help fund The Brain Tumour Charity’s support services, its investment in the most promising global research projects and its campaigns to raise awareness and save lives.
Kevin and his son Matt have previously made history as part of the fastest five-man team to row across the Atlantic. This record-breaking row inspired Kevin’s bestselling book, Catching Giants, which blends his experiences with business lessons and a world-record-breaking mindset.
Kevin leaves the UK on Wednesday 28 May, to begin final preparations with his crew. The team will row in shifts, facing weeks of intense physical exertion, sleep deprivation, and the unpredictable challenges of the Pacific Ocean — all in pursuit of a new five-man World Record for the Pacific crossing.
Who is Kevin Gaskell?
Kevin Gaskell, a graduate of the University of Bradford, built his career in the construction, chemical and automotive industries.
Appointed Managing Director of Porsche GB, his team turned a failing business into the UK’s most profitable car company. After returning Lamborghini GB to profitability, he led BMW UK to a 500 per cent increase in profitability.
In 2000 he left BMW to found technology company epyx Limited. From 2001 to 2007 he was CEO of EurotaxGlass’s in Switzerland, leading a €500 million sale of the company. He now acts as chairman to early-stage companies. With his son he has walked to both the North and South Poles and climbed some of the world’s highest mountains to raise funds for cancer research.
He was given an honorary degree by the University of Bradford in July 2016.