ORGANISERS are hoping it will be third time lucky as canoeists prepare themselves for the gruelling Devizes to Westminster race this Easter weekend.
The challenge, cancelled twice in the last two years, is due for the off from Devizes Wharf tomorrow and will test even the most hardy of athletes as they paddle along the 125-mile course, dubbed the "canoeists' Everest".
William 'Tug' Wilson, 57, from Park North, will be hoping his aquatic experiences stand him in good stead he has circled the world twice in a boat with the Royal Navy.
Tug said: "I think I'll be sleeping for most of Friday in preparation. We hope to set off at 4am on Saturday and hopefully will get there within 25 and 30 hours.
"We've got a support crew who will meet us at the locks to feed us Mars Bars and drive us back at the end unless we're too slow and they've buzzed off already."
The grandfather of four, who only started canoeing six years ago, will be joined in the two-man kayak by Ken Tomkins, 45, from Reading.
The pair are hoping their efforts will help raise hundreds of pounds for the official race charity, National Children's Homes.
NCH works with over 89,000 vulnerable children, helping them through problems such as disability, poverty, abuse, neglect and social exclusion.
The senior paddlers leave Devizes early on Easter Saturday and travel eastwards along the Kennet and Avon Canal to meet the River Thames at Reading.
From here it is another 72 miles downstream to finish on the ongoing tide under Westminster Bridge.
Sally Peake, publicity team leader, said: "For canoeists it is the ultimate race in the country. It is one of the oldest and toughest canoe races in the world."
The 54th international race sees over 230 crews entering, including paddlers from Finland, Sweden, Ireland and Germany.
Sally said: "Catching the tide is the critical part of the race. The crews decide what time to leave according to how fast they think they will paddle.
"They have to work backwards and calculate when they think they will catch the tide. High-water at Teddington Lock on Sunday is at 4.20am."
The progress of all crews will be updated on the official website, along with more details about the event and suggested routes for supporters to cheer on the intrepid canoeists.
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