A 21-year-old woman from Cambridge is set to make history as she embarks on an ambitious journey to become the first female to row solo from mainland Europe to mainland South America.
Zara Lachlan began her record attempt on Sunday morning, departing from Lagos on the Portuguese Algarve. The remarkable journey covers an estimated 3,600 nautical miles to French Guiana and is projected to take around 90 days.
Zara, who is scheduled to join the Army in September as a technical officer after completing her physics degree at Loughborough University, hopes her adventure will motivate other women to engage in fitness and challenge themselves.
“I know it seems like an extreme way to inspire other women to get into fitness, but I want people to realise their potential and, if I can complete this challenge having never rowed on the ocean before, then other women can attempt a challenge of their own, albeit probably not a cross-Atlantic row,” she stated.
Feeling strong and well-prepared, Zara has trained with renowned ocean rowing coaches, including Charlie Pitcher and Lizzie Brown, who she describes as a second mother.
“However, I am mindful that I’m doing something incredibly dangerous that hasn’t been attempted by anyone of my age before.” she added.
If successful, Zara will not only become the youngest person to row solo and unsupported from mainland Europe to mainland South America but also the first woman to achieve this feat.
The journey will require her to row up to 20 hours a day, and she anticipates losing a third of her body weight during the voyage, relying on daily supplies of 5,500 kcal in meals and snacks.
Zara’s mother, Claire Lachlan, expressed her emotional response to her daughter’s challenging endeavour, admitting she was moved to tears when Zara first shared her plans.
As Zara sets off on this incredible expedition, she embodies the spirit of adventure and determination, aiming to inspire women everywhere to pursue their dreams and push their limits.
