Departure time is rapidly approaching for 59-year-old Chris Allix as he makes final preparations for the start of his adventure of a lifetime.
He expects to hit the waters off Douglas Beach during the week commencing June 25 to take the first tentative paddles on his arduous three month journey by kayak which he hopes will lead him from the Isle of Man 2000 miles to Monaco in a personal bid to raise money for five childrens' charities around the world.
Even with two years in the planning and a non-stop programme of specialist training under the banner of 'Man to Monaco', Allix has a massive task ahead of him as he crosses the Irish Sea, paddles southward through the UK's canal system starting at Glasson Basin (north of Blackpool), negotiates the Thames, rounds the Kent coast and then crosses the Channel to Calais from where he will head south through the canals and rivers of France until he reaches the Mediterranean.
The last leg will take him through coastal waters to his splashdown in Monaco, hopefully in time for the Principality's annual Yacht Show in September. He is hoping for a right royal welcome from the locals when he arrives which might have something to do with the fact that Outward Bound Monaco is one Allix's chosen charities.
Born in the year the Queen's reign began, Allix, who will celebrate his 60th birthday en route, is one of the diamond generation and has chosen Olympic year for his extraordinary and demanding venture. "Perhaps that's a good omen," he said this week as he began his final kit and kayak check for what lies ahead. "I know that some people think I am mad to try it, but it has been an ambition of mine for as long as I can remember and with the backing of family, friends and work colleagues who will accompany me a week or so at a time, I hope that I will arrive in time for the opening of the yacht show on September 19.
"I have been training hard, having paddled the full 165 miles of the coast to coast Liverpool to Leeds canal linking the Mersey with the Humber, 200 miles from Ellesmere Port to Oxford and I did extremely well in the Devizes to Westminster canoe race a few weeks ago - reckoned to be the toughest race of its kind in the world."
His dedicated followers - and, hopefully, members of the public - hope to be part of a Champagne send-off on the day of departure - the actual date and time will depend on the weather.
Director of the Douglas-based ICM Group, Chris Allix has a close relationship with the sea and Monaco through his well-established company Dominion Marine Corporate Services, which provides ownership structures to yacht and superyacht owners. Some of his clients and associates have already agreed to sponsor him but he still needs many more if he is going to make a difference to the five charities, which are: Sailing for the Disabled (Isle of Man), Namaste Childrens Home (Nepal), Outward Bound Trust (Monaco), Encompass Trust (UK) and the ICM Charitable Trust (Isle of Man).
Supporters and well-wishers will be able to keep up with his progress through his website blog which will have details of his GPS tracking a system, and on his Facebook page.
Final words from Allix, currently keeping a keen eye on the weather: "As I have said before, I do so much want to bring help to the charities I have nominated. The world is a harsh place right now and anything we can do to improve the lives of children must be worthwhile."
More information at: www.mantomonaco.com.
