ATLANTIC CHALLENGE 2026

The Atlantic is calling. Again, I’m crossing this vast Ocean for the second time, this year in December. The first time we were with 4 women from the Netherlands; team Atlantic Dutchesses. Now I’m taking on the challenge alone. Solo. But hey, it doesn’t feel solo at all! Since the start of this journey, early 2024, I’ve met so many people, organizations and companies and help was, and is, offered from all corners of Harlingen and Friesland. And beyond!

In March 2025 I got the chance to buy the Mare Fortuna. The very boat that I have rowed in with one of my rowing buddies from the Atlantic Dutchesses. We were training for the Pacific Challenge but that adventure stopped 6 months before the start. When negotiating about the terms&conditions, a great sponsor popped up. Slaapschepen is a Frisian company that provides floating accommodation. I was so lucky to have met them. That’s how things go: a friend from a friend, a pitch, a phone call, a signature. They wanted to buy the boat. And more! I’m very grateful for their support.

That gave me the opportunity to focus on training and my charity: the Maarten van der Weijden Foundation. Didn’t have any second thought about embracing this foundation. Read more in the ‘Why’ section 🙂

In 2025 and in 2026 I’ve rowed more than 360 hrs and spent even more time in my boat. The Safety Team that guides us Ocean Rowers is always strict: 240 hrs training is compulsory for solo’s. I also joined a training camp in Burnham-on-Crouch, supervised by Rannoch Adventure. As I’ve been by myself most of the time I was wondering if I did the right thing, made the right decisions when circumstances changed. With 3 other solo rowers, a team of 2 and a team of 4 we set of on the North Sea. Learned so much! Most important thing: I felt more confident, I guess I actually was on the right track. After this training camp I felt confident enough to set out on the Wadden Sea and later I drove to Lübeck Travemünde.

The thing with Ocean Rowing is that I get to meet so many people! I am very well aware of the fact that, when I show up with my boat, people ask questions and wonder. And I find myself wondering as well: am I actually doing this? Oh yes, I ám actually doing this! Stay updated and follow me on insta @renatedebackere.