A VETERANS group in Newquay is organising what could become one of the largest participation events in British forces history.

Newquay Veterans CIC is staging the Great British Veteran Row, which will be a clockwise relay rowing challenge in 2027 circumnavigating the United Kingdom, starting and finishing in Newquay.

The Operation ORCA (Ocean Rowing Coastal Adventure) challenge will be undertaken in a purpose-built ocean rowing boat across 52 legs.

A brand-new team of 10 rowers will take on each leg, which will see more than 500 veterans and supporters of veterans physically take part in the row, each bringing their own sponsorship.

The challenge is being undertaken to raise awareness for veteran’s issues and funds towards the Pilgrim’s Bandits, which is a military charity that helps and supports servicemen and women who have been injured or wounded.

Funds will also be donated to Newquay Veteran’s Kamp Menalhyl in St Columb Major, which is two acres of green space that offers members rest and relaxation through axe throwing, pistol shooting, bushcraft skills and outdoor camping experiences.

Newquay Veterans patron John Davidson, who was the first retired SAS soldier to row the Atlantic solo in 2019 and 2020 onboard the Mad Giraffe, is helping to organise the challenge.

He has had the ocean rowing boat built at a shipyard in Holland especially for the Great British Veteran Row. The vessel was designed by Mark Slats, who is regarded as the number one ocean rower in the world.

Mr Davidson is also in talks with a documentary crew to film the epic row.

Newquay Veterans is appealing to army and navy units including RAF St Mawgan and RNAS Culdrose for help to transport the boat from Holland to Newquay ahead of the challenge.

Newquay Veterans is also in need of somewhere secure locally to store the rowing boat such as a boatyard as it has expensive navigation kit and electronics installed.

Daz Keelor, who is one of the founding directors of Newquay Veterans, said: “We hope the row will be the largest participation event in British forces and veterans’ history.

“It will be the biggest event will have been involved with since the UK’s national Armed Forces Day in Falmouth in 2023.

“Newquay Veterans will be taking part in the row but will also take care of the logistics of the challenge as the boat goes to ports around the UK.

“We want to raise money for charity through the challenge, but the biggest aspect will be raising awareness for veteran’s issues such as the persecution and legal challenges some are facing after serving in Northern Ireland during the Troubles.

“So, if anyone knows of any person, any company, any naval or maritime organisation who might be able to help Mr Davidson get his boat to Cornwall and store it securely, please contact us.

“Also anyone who wants to participate or help plan the rowing challenge can get in touch.”

Interested parties can email [email protected]