Project News
HP Latex ink technology proves its quality and endurance
F
ormer HP Manager, Nick Hollis, spent 50 days at sea aboard Kraken, rowing more than
3,000 miles from the Canary Islands to Antigua in the Caribbean. He overcame strong winds, incredibly rough seas and extreme weather systems to complete the Atlantic Challenge, leaving him one expedition short of completing the 721 Challenge. An intense test of human endeavour and endurance, 721 Challenge comprises no less than 10 extreme trials. Participants must scale the seven largest peaks in the world, ski to both the North and South Poles, and row solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Nick has completed all but one of these, with the final test being the North Pole trek which he will commence in April. Championing its former employee, HP
has been with Nick every step of the way providing support and services to help him across the finish line. This backing included delivering graphics for the boat used in the Atlantic Challenge. PressOn, a long-term HP customer,
used its HP Latex R2000 and HP Latex 3600 printers to produce specialist decals to cover the boat with the names and logos of Nick’s many sponsors. Graphics were printed on HEXIS THE190EUO vinyl and laminated with HEXIS PCI90G2. “Upon arrival at the race start in La
Gomera, all 39 boats competing in the 2023 World’s Toughest Row had been placed in a cordoned-off race area,” Nick said. “Kraken, wearing her HP Latex decal, looked stunning. Several of my fellow competitors remarked on how amazing Kraken looked. “When I arrived in Antigua, Kraken,
having endured 50 days of rough seas and intense UV exposure, still looked great. The exposed ropes and plastics had faded in the sun, but the HP Latex graphics looked brand new!”
Battling extreme conditions Offering an insight into life onboard Kraken and the conditions he, the boat and indeed the graphics faced, Nick said the crossing was one of the toughest trials not only in the 721 Challenge, but
www.signupdate.co.uk May-June 2024 | 35 |
his entire life. “Having taken time to reflect, my
50-day solo row across the Atlantic was a phenomenal success, and the entire experience exceeded all expectations,” Nick said. “It was extraordinarily challenging, both physically and mentally. “Unfortunately, Kraken sustained
some damage during the race’s early stage, including a broken daggerboard, an essential piece of equipment that prevents her from drifting sideways in crosswinds. The absence of a daggerboard placed additional strain on other critical components, including my rudder, which snapped off over 700 nautical miles from the finish line. Fortunately, I was carrying a spare rudder, but fitting it required me to swim in strong winds and huge seas – not an experience I’d like to repeat.”
Working towards a joint sustainable goal While ensuring the graphics remained intact and still looked the part throughout the crossing was key, the use of HP Latex technology also perfectly matched up with Nick’s overall goal of raising awareness of climate change. HP Latex Printers offer a much more
environmentally friendly solution to users than other printing technologies. All Latex printers run with HP Latex ink, which is water-based and has significantly less impact on the planet than other inks such as solvent, eco-solvent and UV. HP Latex inks also have the most environmentally certified technology
and contain no hazardous air pollutants or odours. In addition, HP Latex ink cartridges are carton-based and produced using 100% recycled cardboard, while all HP printers HP and supplies contain UL validated ocean bound plastic and recycled plastics, further reducing impact on the planet.
Crossing the finish line at the North Pole With just one trial to go until completing the gruelling 721 Challenge, Nick is once again looking forward to working with his former employee. HP is set to provide decals for the specialist sledge that will accompany him on his solo ski to the North Pole. “I’m delighted that HP will provide the decals for my expedition sledge. The conditions in the Arctic will be the complete opposite to the Atlantic Ocean, with temperatures dropping below 30°C. “Regardless, I have no doubt the HP
Latex technology will stand up to the challenge.”
www.hp.com
HP has been with Nick every step of the way providing support and services to help him across the finish line. This backing included delivering graphics for the boat used in the Atlantic Challenge
Nick spent 50 days at sea aboard Kraken, rowing more than 3,000 miles from the Canary Islands to Antigua in the Caribbean
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