Post Gomera blues

Hello everyone!

It still seems like a long time before I’ll hear the horn of the Atlantic Challenge 2026, but next year (which is drawing very near) I can say: I’m going next year! Setting up a campaign, the communication, fundraising is a lot of work as I know far too well as I have been involved with two previous prep periods. I did set up my foundation and have a bank account woohoo! These festive weeks I’m using to set up things, welcome new sponsors 🙂 and update my website – and this blog of course.

From 7-13 December I was on La Gomera. I enjoyed myself thoroughly, on every streetcorner I met people from previous rows, trainings, Atlantic Campaigns etc. All that means lots of coffee, drinks in the Blue Marlin bar and extensive chats about how it was on the Ocean, the buzz we all felt deeply, shared stories, dreams and plans. Meeting Rob and Jack from Anna Victorious was an unexpected pleasure. Thanks for the laughs guys, it was a great night out with you lot! The race was brought forward due to the expected wind and weather. On the 11th, hundreds of people gathered on the pier even though it was still dark when all rowers had their last briefing and then set out to the boats. Gosh, it was very overwhelming to witness the start of 38 teams! We were all cheering, clapping and encouringing, feeling almost as nervous as the rowers themselves.

And now I am a dotwatcher. With a special eye on the Dutch team Row for Cancer and Atlantic Odyssey, Ananya being the only solo woman in this years’ race. Come watch with me! Download YB tracking, look for the World’s Toughest Row – Atlantic 2024 and dotwatch alongside thousands other enthusiasts around the globe.

Work in progress, more to come so keep you posted!

x Renate