Pupils’ 3D Printing Skills Support Parent’s Atlantic Rowing Challenge

Duncan Nealon is set to take part in the World's Toughest Row this December. Alongside rowing partner Darren Ariss, he will attempt to row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean from San Sebastián de la Gomera in the Canary Islands to English Harbour, Antigua, raising funds for the mental health charity LooseHeadz. The pair are hoping to complete the challenge in around 50 days.

As part of their preparations, Duncan approached the College for help solving a practical challenge on board their ocean rowing boat. The team needed a safer and more secure way to hold their cooking stove and cups while at sea. Previously, they had been using a float gaffer-taped to a board.

Head of Design and Technology, Paul Scopes, and Design and Technology Teacher, Will O'Hara, supported by members of the College's 3D Printing Club, took on the challenge. Together they designed and produced a modular 3D-printed tray that locks the items securely into place, helping to prevent spills and accidents in the demanding conditions of an Atlantic crossing.

On Friday 2 October, Duncan brought his and Darren's special rowing boat to Princethorpe, parking it on The Close at lunchtime. Will O'Hara and Paul Scopes were delighted to present the finished tray and introduce Duncan to members of the 3D Printing Club and College pupils. Pupils enjoyed the exciting opportunity to see the remarkable vessel that will carry Duncan and Darren across the Atlantic Ocean.

During his visit, Duncan answered pupils' questions about the challenge, sharing insights into his training, preparation and the realities of spending nearly two months at sea. Many pupils took the opportunity to meet him and learn more about the extraordinary adventure ahead.

Head of Design and Technology, Paul Scopes, said: “Having had the opportunity to meet and speak with Duncan, I am truly in awe of the challenge he and Darren are undertaking. The scale of the row, both in terms of the distance and the immense physical and mental endurance required, is extraordinary. Being able to support this remarkable endeavour has been a fantastic opportunity for our school, and Duncan and Darren's story has already inspired many of our pupils. Through our 3D Printing Club, pupils have enthusiastically engaged in designing, developing and refining ideas to assist with the challenge. We hope that the product they have created will help make Duncan and Darren's incredible journey just a little easier.”

Duncan Nealon, commented: “Both Darren and I were genuinely taken aback by what Mr Scopes, Mr O’Hara and the children have designed and created. We have gone from the ridiculous, to the sublime. Our self-made contraption was never very good, but this is better and more professional than we could have ever hoped. We will use it at least twice a day, every day, on board our boat. Boiling water is the biggest cause of injuries on board, so having this to add some stability to our routine will be a huge benefit. Thank you to everyone involved, and also to the children who made it, and were so interested in the adventure; they asked some great questions. We will be sharing photos of us using it, mid-Atlantic!”

The 3D-printed tray project provided a fantastic example for pupils of applying their design and technology skills and creativity to solve a real-world problem, and all while contributing to an inspiring fundraising challenge.

Princethorpe College is delighted to support Duncan Nealon and Darren Ariss in their World's Toughest Row challenge and wishes them every success as they prepare to take on the Atlantic.

For more information about their World’s Toughest Row fundraising challenge, visit the team's website here: https://www.claverdonlions.com/