Artist Dmitri Galitzine has today broken
the world record of exactly two minutes for the fastest 100m paddle in a giant
pumpkin boat.

Speaking after the attempt in Portsmouth,
Mr Gailitizine told the BBC it had been difficult but was relieved to paddle
the pumpkin through the dock.

Guinness World Records said it had received
notification of the attempt recorded by independent adjudicators and would
examine it later.

The 27-year-old artist also plans to cross
the Solent in a giant gourd powered by an outboard motor tomorrow.

He worked with boating experts to create
his pumpkin boat and was supported by Portsmouth marine entrepreneur Jonny
Boys.

In order to make the pumpkin boat more
buoyant, it was stuff with polystyrene.

The pumpkin boat will first sail in
Trafalgar Wharf, Portsmouth, where Mr Galitzine will attempt to beat the
Guinness World Record for the 100m fastest paddle in a pumpkin later.

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Image from BBC