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Seeking a challenge? Solo ocean rower Dinger puts boat up for sale at £39,000 (or near offer)

Dave 'Dinger' Bell with 'Billy No Mates'. Picture: Dorset Biz News.

By Staff Reporter editor@dorsetbiznews.co.uk

Published: October 28, 2021 | Updated: 29th October 2021

Feeling somewhat adrift in life and looking for a new challenge?

Here’s just the thing – and it will only set you back somewhere in the region of £39,000.

Solo rower Dave ‘Dinger’ Bell has put the boat used for his successful North Atlantic crossing up for sale.

Now safely stored at Avon Marina, Rossiters Quay in Christchurch, ‘Billy No Mates’ comes with everything required for your own 3,118-mile Atlantic row or, indeed, any other ocean you care to choose.

And no need to worry about how it will handle the seas.

Dinger, who landed in Newquay in Cornwall last month after rowing, unsupported, from New York in 119 days, said: “Billy has proved his stability by crossing the North Atlantic in challenging conditions without capsizing.

“He’s strong, stable and reliable.

“Now Billy is ready to take on his next challenge and cross another ocean.”

Originally built in 2016 for the 3,000-mile Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, the boat ended up adrift for several months after a rudder loss forced his then owner to abandon ship.

The fibreglass, carbon reinforced craft was subsequently returned to Christchurch before being bought by Dinger for his North Atlantic crossing.

And what will you get for your £39,000 or near offer?

Well, not just the boat, including the electronics which cost £18,000 when installed, but also all the loose equipment, ranging from a life raft, immersion suit and first aid kit to the oars, para anchor and bilge pumps.

Dinger, 49, a former Royal Marine with 20 years’ service, said: “The sale includes almost everything the new owners will need for its next crossing.

“I can also help with wet and dry rations.

“There is some work required with minor cosmetic damage to the gel coat and a general refresh needed.

“Otherwise, Billy No Mates is ready for his next crossing.”

It’s now nearly five weeks since Dinger successfully completed his epic row.

To date, he’s raised more than £47,700, including Gift Aid, for his two nominated charities, the Poole-based Special Boat Service Association and Rock2Recovery.

Reflecting on his near-four months at sea, Dinger, who lives in Bere Regis, said: “It almost feels like it wasn’t me in that boat.

“I look at the photographs and think: was that me?

“I do feel a huge sense of accomplishment – it was an amazing experience.

“Without doubt the scariest bit was near the finish in the Scilly Islands when I really feared ending up on the rocks.

“It was only thanks to Alan Hartwell, Deputy Harbour Master, who guided me, that I made it through.

“I’ve sent him a bottle of whisky.

“Although I faced plenty of challenges you feel a great sense of contentment at sea,

“Life is so simple.

“You wake up, have your breakfast and then just row.

“It’s stress-free and, when everything is going well, there really is no better place in the world.”

Dinger, who is planning to spend a month in the Alps in December, said the experience of being away had brought him even closer to his partner, Georgie.

“We met five months before I left. I missed her desperately,” he said.

Dinger is now mulling over his next physical challenge.

“I quite fancy cycling from Argentina to Alaska which is said to be about 30,000 miles, a crazy distance.

“These types of challenges are addictive but I’ll take my time and think hard while I’m in the Alps.”

+++

How Dorset Biz News covered Dinger’s Atlantic solo row…

See all our stories here:

Dinger announces plans for his Atlantic row.

He’s off from New York!

Dinger’s on his way…

Dinger reaches the half-way stage.

Just 200 nautical miles to go now…

Dinger’s done it!

 

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