Annals Of Achievement–Double Transat: TWC’s latest hero, Anne Quemere, finished her 3300 mile west-east Atlantic crossing on Monday, becoming the first woman to row the Atlantic both ways. It took her 87 days, 12 hours and 15 minutes, a grueling, testing voyage. She never complained, she always saw the beauty in the ocean (even when it was cutting her no breaks and doing its best to break her), and she always maintained her sense of humor. Here’s an excerpt from her last diary entry, describing what it is like to be picked up by her friends and supporters in a boat called Noelie:

“I rowed the last 36 miles like crazy, helped by a good NW wind that pushed me down to 45.58 N but mainly helped me to cross the 5.12 W, my finishing line, at 3:15 U.T. My joy is indescribable as, all exited, I admire the fireworks fired from the Noelie. I thought I would choke under the kisses as I wobbled aboard the Noelie, having lost the habit of standing up. This is not land yet. But I am home among my men who always helped me and watched me over for the past two days. Everything happens quickly and the boat is now in tow. It looks new to me though I have abused it for 3300 some miles. I admire the lines of the Sardine Connetable and I am proud to have taken it to the end of the road. The men appear exhausted by the sleepless nights; I do not look any better though they claim the contrary-very flattering! It is a fact that the present happiness erases all the bad times. Everything I have missed for so long is available: fresh fruits, yogurt, and sweet candy bars! I am trying not to stuff my face.”

Stuff away, Anne. You deserve it…



Double-Atlantic Anne: “Damn, I’m happy to finish but I’m running out of oceans to row….”