Huge congratulations are in order for 67-year-old Simon Howes, who has completed his daring 72-day solo crossing of the Atlantic Ocean in a rowboat.
Raising a whopping £75,190 for the Isle of Wight Red Squirrel Trust, Simon set off on his ‘adventure’ to cross the Ocean from Gran Canaria in January 2023.
On Wednesday (29th March), he arrived in St Lucia, making him the first person in 26 years to undertake the venture solo and unassisted, as well as being the third oldest person to row an ocean. He beat the previous record by an amazing 43 days.
“Mr Normal”
Describing himself as “Mr Normal”, Simon had to conquer 40-foot waves off the coast of Africa, with the boat turning 175 degrees before slowing righting itself, with one of his oars snapping in the process.
One of the huge waves also smashed some of the reinforced plastic hatches on the top of Simon’s rowboat, soaking 38 per cent of his food supplies.
Simon’s family surprised him by greeting him at St Lucia, where they’ll spend the next week catching up with his adventures.
Show your support
If you would like to show your support for Simon’s incredible feat, you can do so on his Just Giving Page.
You can find out more about the Atlantic Challenge on Simon’s Website.
Watch
DBSTV St Lucia posted the following video of Simon at IGY Rodney Bay Marina after he arrived on Wednesday.
Image: © DBSTV St Lucia
Article edit
12.31pm 31st Mar 2023 – Corrected Howe to Howes, as was age, to 67.
