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Today, an enormous elaborately decorated pumpkin was propelled down the River Ouse following a remarkable carving. In a 1,364lb canoe made from the giant pumpkin, Tom Pearcy paddled across the water, wowing the
crowds gathered on the banks with his 500m journey in this unusual spectacle. The 48-year-old owner of a Maze in York explained, ‘We hold a competition every year to discover the largest pumpkin, and we always aim to do something entertaining with it. I enjoy canoeing, so the idea of hollowing out the winning pumpkin and taking it down the River Ouse just came to me.’
Tom Pearcy, based in York Maze, is seen rowing the largest pumpkin boat in the world down the river.
Tom Pearcy is currently using a rowing method to propel the ‘HMS York Maze’ pumpkin along the river Ouse, navigating between Ouse Bridge and Skeldergate Bridge.
Mr. Pearcy shared his experience of nearly losing his balance on the pumpkin multiple times while paddling 500m along the river, with fans watching.
The enormous pumpkin was transformed into a boat as part of the Maze’s annual tradition of doing something extraordinary with their oversized produce.”Yesterday, we placed the pumpkin in a large trough to test its buoyancy. Then, using a chainsaw, we removed the top and hollowed out the interior so that it could accommodate me. Despite feeling quite apprehensive and experiencing a less than steady journey, I successfully navigated a distance of 500m.”
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A crane was brought in to hoist the boat, which originally weighed 1,364 lbs, before it was transformed into a vessel for Mr. Pearcy to use.
The enormous pumpkin came close in weight to the world’s largest ever, which was cultivated in Rhode Island and tipped the scales at 1,502 pounds.
A crowd assembled along the banks of the River Ouse to witness the attempt to set a new world record. Mr. Pearcy, hailing from York, set out on a 500-metre journey in the massive pumpkin boat.
“I almost took a tumble a few times, but a rescue boat was nearby just in case,” he shared. “I’ve paddled my way through many things, but this truly is a first.”
The Guinness World Records has been notified, and the organizers are optimistic that the achievement will be recognized as the ‘largest pumpkin boat’ in the world.
“There is currently no existing record for the largest pumpkin floated down a river, so we’re the official world record holders,” Tom remarked. “We’ve gotten in touch with Guinness World Records, and it seems likely they will validate our claim.”
Each year, the York Maze endeavors to infuse their activities with enjoyment. Last year, the York Maze established a new world record by carving the biggest jack-o’-lantern, weighing 2013 pounds.
“I almost took a tumble a few times, but a rescue boat was nearby just in case,” he shared. “I’ve paddled my way through many things, but this truly is a first.”
The Guinness World Records has been notified, and the organizers are optimistic that the achievement will be recognized as the ‘largest pumpkin boat’ in the world.
“There is currently no existing record for the largest pumpkin floated down a river, so we’re the official world record holders,” Tom remarked. “We’ve gotten in touch with Guinness World Records, and it seems likely they will validate our claim.”
Each year, the York Maze endeavors to infuse their activities with enjoyment. Last year, the York Maze established a new world record by carving the biggest jack-o’-lantern, weighing 2013 pounds.
A safety team stands ready behind the boat as it navigates the River Ouse past The Bonding Warehouse, prepared to assist Mr. Pearcy if needed.
Dressed in a jacket decorated with pumpkins and seated in his immense boat crafted from a pumpkin, the owner of the maze embraced the Halloween festivities.
Mr Pearcy owns York Maze which is the size of 15 Wembley football pitches and grows more than a million maize plants
The pimped-out pumpkin passed real boats along the river but held its own as the makeshift boat bobbed 500 metres along
Mr Pearcy revealed he was scared as the boat tilted, fearing he would fall out and fail in his attempt to create a new world record
As well as taking on impressive public challenges, the maze owner also carves out big pictures from his crops every year.
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