Ralph Deter

Company Director, 45, from the Great-Lakes area of Canada - still getting used to the tides in spite of living in Europe for over 20 years. I am using this race as a purpose to re-gain my personal fitness and then push myself to my physical and psychological limits

Mike Gilbert

Architect, born in Bristol – sea in the blood! The old man of the team, 3 GRR veterans’ trophies and Deborah wanted to row the Atlantic – this is shorter

Ian MacLennan

Banker, works up in London but spends as much of his time rowing down in Langstone as possible. Not quite as old as Mike, but also has three Great River Race veterans' trophies and is keen to see France from the Seine. Speaks French and looking for some more practice in May 2008!

Stephen Matthews

Company Director, 48. I have wanted to cross the channel, without the assistance of P&O for sometime. Unfortunately this rowing opportunity arrived prior to a more leisurely sailing option. Anything that keeps me fit whilst preventing me venturing back onto the rugby pitch has to be worthwhile.

Deborah Pentesco-Gilbert

37, publisher, born in Canada, living in the UK for 15 years. It is shorter than rowing the Atlantic and looks like more fun!

Chris Ellis 

Card Payments for a living, rowing for life! First rowed at school which brought an enjoyment of all boats and have pursued the cause vigourously by oar and sail ever since! Brought the Cutters together almost ten years ago (can it really be that long?!). Sadly, approaching the 'Saga' age, so naturally keen for a saga to participate in...this is it.

Claude Lorea 

37, Engineer, Belgian, born and living in Brussels, sailed the Channel many times, 3 children, nuts about the sea,  divorced,  needed a (little) project to focus on! In a nutshell, the continental girl who will be useful when landing in France!

Colin McPhee 

Surveyor, 47 years young. Enjoys all forms of water sports especially in boats. Having spent the last 12 years canoeing this year has turned to face the rear of the boat and try his hand at rowing. Loves a challenge

Elaine Parkin 

English teacher (secondary). Started rowing in Bedford in sliding seats and got the bug! This is certainly some challenge but more importantly a great chance to raise lots of money for our charities. "

Sandra Russell

(or Sandra Mowat depending on my outfit of the day?!) Is a physiotherapist, Scottish, always wanted to swim the Channel so thought I'd do it first without goggles & using less vaseline???