Atlantic Ocean

In 2005, Roz Savage became the first woman to complete the Atlantic Rowing Race – solo. She set out from the Canary Islands with 3,000 miles of empty ocean ahead of her, carrying nothing more than what could be squeezed in her boat. Alone and with no support, Roz fought storms that broke every one of her oars before she had reached halfway, and also claimed her camping stove, stereo, and cockpit navigation instruments.

As the Atlantic Ocean gradually reduced her boat to the bare essentials, Roz’s voyage captured the attention of people all over the world. Despite her testing circumstances, Roz managed to keep a blog that she updated by satellite phone. Her determination to never surrender in the face of almost overwhelming conditions struck a chord with thousands around the globe. People stayed tuned as she repaired her oars, was blown backwards by adverse winds, and hit the wall – both physically and mentally.

When, 24 days before the end of her row, Roz’s satellite phone, too, succumbed to the harsh conditions onboard, Roz was presented with the toughest challenge yet – total isolation. But she persevered, and after 103 days alone at sea, she rowed into English Harbour, Antigua, and into the history books.

Atlantic Row 2005:

Miles rowed: 2,935

Oarstrokes: about 1,000,000

Time alone at sea: 103 days, 5 hours, 43 minutes

Oars broken: 4

Wholebake bars consumed: 462

Average hours of rowing per day: 12

Pounds lost: 30

Days with no communication system: 24