‘Into the Maelstrom’ with Jim Breen
The Scottish Kayak Expedition to North West Norway 1980
Exhibition Tour 5.45pm – 7.15pm Thursday 10 June
Scottish Maritime Museum, Irvine Harbourside
Join Expedition Leader Jim Breen at 5.45pm on Thursday 10 June for a fascinating, personal tour of the Scottish Maritime Museum’s latest exhibition, which celebrates the 40th anniversary of Scotland’s first major sea kayaking expedition.
The one-off personal tour around Into the Maelstrom: The Scottish Kayak Expedition to North West Norway 1980 is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy Jim’s personal memories of the bold expedition which also included the first recorded dual crossing of one of the world’s largest whirlpools, the ‘Maelstrom’.
On the private tour at the Scottish Maritime Museum on Irvine Harbourside, Jim will tell how he and his friends Angus, Bill and Peter found themselves storm-bound on an island off the West coast of Scotland in 1978 and made a pact to embark on Scotland’s first major sea kayaking expedition together.
Touring the photographs, memorabilia and equipment on display, visitors will hear how, after two years of planning and fundraising, the four friends set off. Paddling 394 miles (634 kilometres), they circumnavigated the two island groups of Lofoten and Vesterålen in North West Norway, 200 miles within the Arctic Circle, before setting out into the ‘Maelstrom’.
Jim will also share his memories of the challenges of the expedition which included very severe magnetic anomalies, bland meals only alleviated by occasional treats of Angel Delight and Cabana chocolate, as well as food poisoning and an unexpected heatwave.
There will also be an opportunity to ask Jim questions about the 28 day expedition as well as time to explore the exhibition independently.
Tickets for ‘Into the Maelstrom’ with Jim Breen cost £5. Spaces are limited so visitors are advised to book HERE now to avoid disappointment.
