Atlantic challenge 2020

Atlantic Challenge 2020

Winner of the female class and 7th overall, and proud of our achievement! We did the crossing in 43 days, 4 hours and 56 minutes.
The start of the World’s toughest row was December 12th from La Gomera. We followed a strict routine of 2 hours rowing/ 2 hours rest (eat, sleep). We were surprised that our bodies adjusted well to this routine. Only a few days of seasickness, some blisters and some bruises here&there were all that we could call minor issues. Just before Christmas we endured a storm and almost capsized. Half a day after that event there was too much headwind, we rowed with 3 and backwards. Time for the para-anchor! We had to use that anchor a few times more during and after Newyears’ eve. We then were caught in northwesterlies and couldn’t get away. That was the most frustrating part of the race. After we managed to get away during a small weather window things got better. The second week of January brought us NE winds. Finally we could make good speed again! We rowed like madwomen and hoped to finish around Jan 22nd. The current was not always with us and the swell neither, but finally we saw the gloom of Antigua at night and the hills in the morning of Sunday the 24th of January. Knowing we would see our friends again, wondering how it would be like to hear the horn and see the flares of the welcome committee, we got thankful and humble.
We spend the best of times during this weird Covid period. Absolutely Corona-free, the whole world in turmoil and look at us; 4 women grateful and stubborn, achieved our goal: being the first Dutch ladies team AND winning the female class. To finish in English Harbour was more than overwhelming!