The idea is to waterski 150 miles around the coast of Cornwall from Padstow in the north to St Mawes in the south - and such is the excitement around the event that the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has thrown his considerable patronage behind the undertaking. He reportedly said: “I salute the Waterski Marathon! It is heroic, deranged, and confirms Britain’s global status as the world capital of sport and sporting endeavour.”

Ski Cornwall

Organised in association with Piranha RIBs, who will be supplying the tow craft and support vessels for the trip, the team comprises four skiers and four drivers and, depending on the course taken, the distance is expected to be anywhere between 125 and 155 miles. Though weather conditions will obviously play a part, they aim to complete the route non-stop, skiing in relays for anything up to 20 hours - which will make it a great deal more grueling than a recreational skier’s usual 15-minute stint.

It’s a fantastic event and is made even more laudable by the fact that any money raised will go to two very worthwhile charities - Breast Cancer Hope and Combat Stress. The team’s target sum is £50,000 so if you want to donate or find out more, visit www.skicornwall.co.uk.

Written by: Alex Smith
Alex Smith is a journalist, copywriter and magazine editor with a long history in boating and a happy addiction to the water. He’s worked on boats, lived on boats, bought boats, sold boats and – when he’s not actually on board a boat – he can generally be found in his Folkestone office, tapping away at the computer and gazing out to sea.