Cayenne, French Guiana —(Map)
On Saturday, February 1, Zara Lachlan became the first woman – and the youngest person – to row from mainland Europe to mainland South America by herself without support. She completed this 4,100-mile (6,600-kilometer) crossing of the Atlantic Ocean in just over 97 days.
Ms. Lachlan is 21 years old, and from the United Kingdom. She set off from Portugal in a special rowing boat on October 27. She would be rowing across the Atlantic Ocean with no one else to help her.
(Source: Women In Sport.)
The trip is an extreme challenge for anyone. And Ms. Lachlan wasn’t just new to ocean rowing, she was new to the ocean. “The first time I ever saw a fish in the ocean was on day six of my expedition [trip],” she said.
Ms. Lachlan had to clean the bottom of her boat regularly. That meant jumping into the ocean – something she didn’t enjoy at first, since she doesn’t swim well.
(Source: Screenshot, Women In Sport.)
But Ms. Lachlan was determined. Her goal was to be the first woman, and the youngest person, to row solo, non-stop, and unsupported across the Atlantic – from mainland Europe to mainland South America. Only one other person has ever done this.
Ms. Lachlan faced many challenges along the way. Bad weather turned her boat over. An oar broke. After 40 days, her phone got damaged, and she couldn’t listen to music while she rowed anymore. Along the way, she hurt her arm, cut her leg, and broke a finger. At one point, she was nearly run over by a large ship.
The wind and weather caused problems, too. Ms. Lachlan says that when she was crossing through the Canary Islands, she would row for 21 hours a day, but only cover 11 miles (18 kilometers).
(Source: Women In Sport.)
But there were many bright spots, too. For Ms. Lachlan, the trip was a chance to see nature as few people ever do. She says the sunrises and night skies were “breathtaking”.
During the journey, Ms. Lachlan spotted dolphins, sharks, and even orcas (killer whales). One time, she was hit by a flying fish. She says the trip gave her many memories “that will stay with me for life.”
After 97 days, 9 hours, and 20 minutes, Ms. Lachlan arrived in French Guiana, on the coast of South America, on February 1. “Nobody knew I was coming in,” she said, “But I got clapped by lots of fishermen from Brazil.”
(Source: Screenshot, Women In Sport.)
Ms. Lachlan nearly set a speed record for the journey. She missed that record by 19 hours. But she’s still very proud of her effort. “I took on a massive challenge and won,” she said.
Ms. Lachlan was raising money for two organizations. One of the groups encourages women to take part in sports. She hopes her effort will inspire other women and girls to challenge themselves. “If I can do something that I find scary, then other women can attempt a challenge of their own,” she says.
Ms. Lachlan says she’ll finish studying physics at Loughborough University this summer. In September, she plans to join the British Army.
Did You Know…?
Ms. Lachlan’s efforts have already raised around £7,100 (nearly $9,000) for two different groups. You can learn more on her fundraising page.
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