BlueBolder: Racing Two of the World’s Toughest Ultra Water Marathons

Friday, 16 January 2026

Racing Two of the World’s Toughest Ultra Water Marathons

Meet Ben Watkins and Oliver Smee our youngest ever Mavericks who have committed themselves to raising £30,000 for their charities Race Against Dementia and Sue Ryder through their initiative known as Mission Memory.

Through sheer will and determination these two inspiring young men have trained relentlessly to land the chance to race in two of the world's most unforgiving on the water ultra marathons: namely the 24hr Devizes to Westminster boat race and the incredibly challenging Yukon 1000.

They are the youngest team ever to qualify for these two gruelling challenges and NITE watches will be following and supporting their journey from the early training right through the finish line.

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Fuelled by an unapologetic grit and understanding of the challenges ahead - knowing it requires every ounce of discipline, determination and dedication available. Anything less would mean failure. Not an option. Ben and Oliver aren't just representing their Country, their team and themselves - but something much deeper - the grandparents they have lost.

SUPPORT MISSION MEMORY

Special Ops Tactical Watch. Built to endure. Inspired by the pioneering designs of military dive watches of the 1930s, the ALPHA Z continues the tradition of precision and durability demanded for the most challenging missions.

Perfect for Mission Memory, who simply cannot afford to have kit fail on them at any time.