About the Crossing

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Total Distance: Approximately 3280.54 miles (5,279.51km) straight line, but it’s never straight line
Estimated Duration: Expecting Minimum 3 months but thinking realistically more like 4 Historical Statistics

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There have only been 16 solo rows completed across North Atlantic from West to East however, none began the journey from New York to St. Mary’s Harbor, Isles of Scilly, UK –  I will be the very first solo rower to attempt this route. In total, there have been 16 successful solo rows completed by 14 rowers (two people rowed twice), 32 unsuccessful attempts undertaken by 21 rowers and three rowers lost at sea (never found). Of the 21 solo rowers, three made two unsuccessful attempts and succeeded on the third attempt. (Data sourced from http://www.oceanrowing.com/statistics/Atlantic_W-E_solo.htm)

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Expectations & Outlook

 

The Daily Routine Schedule

Below is an illustrative typical day.

The plan is to work up the duration of rowing to at least 12 hours per day.

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• 6:00AM – 7:00AM:        Wake up, start day with a quick breakfast

• 7:00AM – 12:00PM:       Row

• 12:00PM – 1:00PM:        Eat lunch

• 1:00PM – 7:00PM:          Resume rowing

• 7:00PM – 8:00PM:         Eat dinner

• 8:00PM – 9:00PM:         Prepare water supply for next day’s rowing

• 9:00PM – 10:00PM:       Write in journal, run through daily hygiene

• 10:00PM                             Get some rest, hopefully

 

The Anticipated Reality

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Environment | Weather conditions are expected to vary tremendously – it will be quite cold for at least half of the way, mostly overcast and rarely sunny. I will encounter storms, winds, high waves10-15 feet, strong current, rain.

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Physical | My body will be in pain from the physical strain and the constant effort to push farther than the day before, which is the most probable reality of this trip – I do not expect good quality sleep. I anticipate capsizing at least 20-30 times, but that is just a wild guess based on the stories and experience of others.

Chances are that my stomach may get upset from all the rather “monotonous” dry food and also, perhaps, the weather. Heartburn is likely to occur as well due to the high acidity of these types of food, so I’ll definitely bring some baking soda for that.

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There is a risk of injury, major and minor, including abrasions, blisters, cramps, etc. Some of the preventative measures include stretching when possible during my breaks and keeping everything as dry as possible, especially my hands and feet, and my butt as well. 😊

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Mental | How will I keep myself upbeat and in good spirits? For me, I think that will be easy given my overcoming of many challenges in my life to have come this far, having some great role models and mentors and knowing that people are capable of truly extraordinary things – I am no exception. If / when I feel down, I’ll just think of what my father used to tell me when I was a young child facing any challenges and difficult tasks, “Son, if you really want something, you’ll make it happen; you can do anything you set your mind to. It’s as simple as that.” Like father, like son.

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Entertainment | How will I entertain myself? I’ll definitely be playing some of my favorite music to keep me going and replaying mental clips of some of my greatest memories. Otherwise, I think I’ll be pretty preoccupied with making sure everything is up and running (I’ll have to constantly keep an eye on navigation to ensure that I am on the right course) on top of maintaining good health (eat, rest and prepare for the next day). I don’t think I’ll have much spare time to read, but I will bring some books just in case (not sure what yet).

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Common Questions I Am Being Asked

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Q:  Are you worried about sharks?
A: No, absolutely not. In fact, they are the last of my worries. I’d probably be more afraid of a whale due to its size. I dove and swam along with sharks before – one thing I know is that we are not on their menu, and there isn’t exactly a high concentration of them on my route. Besides, I intend on staying on the boat and rowing most of my time, not planning on entering the water.

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Q: Are you worried about the deep ocean?
A: Not at all. That thought never crossed my mind.

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Q: How about toilet use?
A: Well, there is no toilet, so this will be simple – into the ocean.

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Q: What about emergencies? Is anyone else with you, other boats?

Do you have a cellphone / radio to send an SOS?

How long could it take for help to come?
A: No, there is no one with me. It will be a completely solo, unsupported row. Yes, I will have a satellite radio in case of emergencies but, depending on the distance from shore, it could also take a couple of days or more for anyone to arrive on location… so, best to have no emergencies.

Thank you for your interest!

If you have any specific questions or interests, feel free to send me an email at: info@milanrows.com

Atlantic Solo Ocean Crossings from West to East (2018, August 4). Retrieved from Ocean Rowing

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