A 21-year-old university student has set off on a gruelling 90-day record-breaking row across the Atlantic.
Zara Lachlan departed from Lagos, Portugal, at 9:26am on 27 October at the start of her epic journey across the ocean.
She will cover a whopping 4,100 miles to reach her destination in French Guiana on the coast of South America and could be rowing for up to 20 hours per day.
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The extreme challenge, if she completes it, will see her break three records.
Zara will become the youngest person to row solo and unsupported from mainland Europe to mainland South America.
She will be the first woman to row from mainland Europe to mainland South America solo and the youngest woman to row between any mainland to mainland across the Atlantic solo.
She is doing it to raise money for Team Forces and Women in Sport.
The 21-year-old, from Cambridge, is carrying 800 kg of supplies on the boat.
These include the 5,500 calories of meals and snacks she will need to consume per day, as reported by Need To Know.
Every two days, Zara will be forced to jump into the sea to clean the underside of her boat and to check for damage.
The 21-year-old has just completed her physics degree at Loughborough University, and after the challenge, she will be joining the army as a technical director.
Zara said: “I’m feeling really strong and well-prepared having worked with some of the best ocean rowing coaches in the world, including Charlie Pitcher and Lizzie Brown, who has become a second mum to me over the last six months.
“However, I am mindful I’m doing something incredibly dangerous that hasn’t been attempted by anyone my age before.
“The first stage of the trip is to the Canary Islands, which I’m hoping will take no more than two weeks.
“I’m expecting conditions to be really tough with unpredictable weather, the risk of bumping into orcas, 11 different species of sharks and marlin that are known to puncture the hulls of small boats, not to mention managing 20ft waves in a 24ft long boat.
“My plan is to row for five hours then sleep for 20 minutes at a time, only breaking this cycle during extreme weather conditions or when I need to clean my boat – something I’m not looking forward to.
“I know it seems 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.”
Claire Lachlan, Zara’s mother, said: “You are always going to be worried about your children, but rowing an ocean alone takes that to a whole new level.
“Saying that, we couldn’t be more proud of her.
“Not only has she worked incredibly hard to prepare, but she has the determination and strength of character that is rare and will serve her well when things get tough.
“We know she can do it.
“Very few seek adventures like this, especially at such a young age.
“Zara has all the love and support of her family and friends.
“We can’t wait to hug her again when she lands in French Guiana and hear all about her epic journey.”
Major General Lamont Kirkland, CEO of Team Forces, commented: “Team Forces is delighted to be able to support Zara on her record-breaking expedition attempt.
“It’s been incredibly impressive to see the sheer volume of preparation and training that Zara has achieved over the past few months.
“This, and the fact her focus has never wavered from the ambitious goal she has set herself, will stand her in good stead during the row as it’s going to be very tough.”
