Maze owner rocks Guinness boat with a giant pumpkin
Tom Pearcy, who runs the seasonal York Maze attraction, carved out of corn at Elvington, harnessed the power of a different vegetable for yesterday’s expedition on the Ouse.
A hollowed-out pumpkin, weighing 1,364lb, was lowered into the water by a JCB and then propelled downstream by a canoe paddle-wielding Mr Pearcy the 525 yards between Ouse Bridge and Skeldergate Bridge – whereupon it was towed back to the start line by the York Rescue Boat, and lifted clear of the river.
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Hide AdAccording to the maze, which is open until Sunday, the vessel was “heavier than any other pumpkin boats that have been reported in the media”.
A spokesman said: “We have applied to Guinness World Records to have this new record recognised.”
Last year, the attraction set a record for the world’s biggest Jack o’ Lantern, which weighed 143 stones and had taken Christian Russell, a pumpkin carver, two days and a new saw to transform. Mr Pearcy said yesterday’s attempt has been done with “careful safety planning and approvals”.