Janousek

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Custom Made Boats

Built by a Master Boatbuilder

Built in the UK

Safety First

One of the most important reasons that makes Janousek racing boats the very best boats for school, university and club rowers is the safety features that were built into the design of the boat from the start.

All Janousek boats have always been built to the very highest safety standards especially regarding buoyancy - unlike very many other boats over the years, including some well known makes.

The tragedy when Leo Blockley, 21 years old, drowned in the River Ebro while rowing with the Oxford University Lightweight Rowing Club on their winter training camp in Amposta, Spain on December 29th 2000 highlighted the need for improved buoyancy for all racing boats.

Janousek Racing Boats have been strong supporters of the campaign by Leo's parents, which is described in detail on the Leo Blockley Memorial Campaign Website. This includes the buoyancy tests on some of our boats which demonstrated their inherent built-in safety.

Comments from some of our customers on Janousek's contribution to boat safety

Caroline Smith, Thames Rowing Club:

"I now believe that rowing in an eight with no buoyancy compartments, other than those under the canvases, on water that I am not familiar with and where I am unsure of the safety provision is not a reasonable risk, and one I will not take."

"I will admit I am scared of waves. Who wouldn't be after what I, and the other members of my crew, went through in Spain? But after a rough outing on the Tideway where stroke was petrified by the waves breaking over three's rigger and her back, I know I am perfectly safe in our Janousek IV+."

Thames Tradesmen's RC

"Thames Tradesmen's RC has had a long-standing policy of buying Janousek and, more recently, Stämpfli boats. These brands consistently manufacture boats at FISA minimum weight and include fully enclosed under-seat buoyancy compartments and come at no price premium compared to their competitors. There is no excuse for other manufacturers not to be able to do this, nor for the ARA not to recommend it."

Pembroke College Boat Club (Cambridge)

"We're mostly a Janousek club anyway, and support anything that will make rowing safer!"

Putney Town Rowing Club

"After experiencing the Vet's Head massacre in 2004, we know the limits of our Janousek's buoyancy. It provided essential and useful buoyancy, enabling us to row the boat to the side."

Bradford Grammar School BC

"Even with often limited funds we make a point of buying Janousek boats as we are well aware that safety must come first. This is especially so in school clubs were all members are younger and less able to cope if conditions become hazardous. I urge other school clubs to adopt a similar policy and support this campaign."

Cambridge '99 RC

"We recently switched our first eight boat from a Sims to a Janousek with in-built buoyancy. I'm a lot happier about racing on the Tideway now.

What happened to Leo must never ever happen again."