Old Pulteney and explorer Jock Wishart have revealed the winner of Pole Position, their unique global competition to find the sixth and final crew member of a pioneering arctic expedition - The Old Pulteney Row to the Pole.
David Mans, a 28 year old British Army Officer from Hampshire, beat stiff competition from hundreds of international entrants to be crowned the Pole Position winner at the London Boat Show 2011.
He will join internationally acclaimed adventurer and sportsman Jock Wishart in summer 2011, as he attempts one of the world's last remaining 'firsts', an unsupported row to the magnetic North Pole.
In a specially designed ice boat, David will take his place in the team of six who will set off from Resolute Bay in Canada on a 450 mile route across the arctic on a voyage which if successful, will make history.
The challenge is of global significance as both a pioneering maritime adventure and an environmental expedition - which is only now possible due to the increase in seasonal ice melt and its deterioration due to climate change.
The Old Pulteney Pole Position competition was launched in September 2010 to offer one spirited person a once in a lifetime chance to be part of this extraordinary Arctic adventure - but only if they had the physical and mental attributes required for such an extreme feat of skill and endurance.
David said: "I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the Old Pulteney Row to the Pole crew and relish the opportunity to take part in what will undoubtedly be one of the biggest adventures of my life to date.
"Rowing has always been my passion from a young age and has enabled me to keep grounded in the civilian world.
"For me, rowing is the ultimate team sport and I can only imagine the sense of camaraderie and achievement the crew will feel if we succeed in such a groundbreaking voyage."
To reach the magnetic North Pole, David will row with the other crew members in three hour shifts, and will have to overcome challenging weather and subzero temperatures with little chance of rest or shelter.
David Mans, a 28 year old British Army Officer from Hampshire, beat stiff competition from hundreds of international entrants to be crowned the Pole Position winner at the London Boat Show 2011.
He will join internationally acclaimed adventurer and sportsman Jock Wishart in summer 2011, as he attempts one of the world's last remaining 'firsts', an unsupported row to the magnetic North Pole.
In a specially designed ice boat, David will take his place in the team of six who will set off from Resolute Bay in Canada on a 450 mile route across the arctic on a voyage which if successful, will make history.
The challenge is of global significance as both a pioneering maritime adventure and an environmental expedition - which is only now possible due to the increase in seasonal ice melt and its deterioration due to climate change.
The Old Pulteney Pole Position competition was launched in September 2010 to offer one spirited person a once in a lifetime chance to be part of this extraordinary Arctic adventure - but only if they had the physical and mental attributes required for such an extreme feat of skill and endurance.
David said: "I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the Old Pulteney Row to the Pole crew and relish the opportunity to take part in what will undoubtedly be one of the biggest adventures of my life to date.
"Rowing has always been my passion from a young age and has enabled me to keep grounded in the civilian world.
"For me, rowing is the ultimate team sport and I can only imagine the sense of camaraderie and achievement the crew will feel if we succeed in such a groundbreaking voyage."
To reach the magnetic North Pole, David will row with the other crew members in three hour shifts, and will have to overcome challenging weather and subzero temperatures with little chance of rest or shelter.
