Anne Quemere’s Transatlantic Odyssey–Going Nowhere Slowly: Well, time to check in again on French rower Anne, who’s attempting to become the first woman to row the Atlantic (or any ocean, for that matter) both ways. She’s 33 days in and has pulled herself 953 miles down the track, with 2301 miles to go, so she’s not even a third of the way home (this “sport” requires some serious stubbornness). The Ocean Rowing Society has got all the charts and stats if you want to see what she’s up against. So, are you having fun, Anne? Let’s check your dispatch from June 30 to see:

“I had to face a very rough sea with winds of 40 Kts or even more. Under these conditions, I cannot leave the Connetable drift north, facing possible head winds and ice. Attached to the floating anchor, the boat made my life miserable all night, resounding like a drum under the beating of the breakers. I trust the boat but still…I have never heard the rope of the anchor mewing and screeching with such force. Hours were passing by slowly as I was trying to stay calm, having done all I could, everything was in order aboard and, laying down, I was trying to take some rest while staying alert to the outside noises. I was under the impression that the wind was turning SW. It happened without warning, probably due to crosswinds. The boat capsized and I was stuck to the ceiling for what appeared to be a century. Astounded but remaining alert, I felt the boat self-straightening. This has happened before, but experience does nothing to alleviate the fear that takes you over in the solitude. I know it may happen again…now or later…but, if I could, I should like to erase such moments from my memory.”

Hmm, I guess not. To make matters worse, Anne spent about 4 days going in circles, and on Saturday turned on her GPS to discover that she had LOST 50 miles, thanks to a Gulf Stream eddy which took her backwards. Did I mention ocean rowing requires maniacal persistence? To be a lone rower on a big ocean is to be perhaps the greatest underdog in extreme sport. So TWC is starting to root heavily for Anne, who has dealt with all the frustrations so far with stoicism, grace, and even wit…



Atlantic Anne: Last seen a month ago…Next sighting: ???