Bhavik Gandhi to row solo & unaided across the Atlantic
Bhavik Gandhi, an Indian and venture capitalist by profession has achieved a historic feat unimaginable to most human beings. Bhavik set out to conquer the mighty Atlantic by rowing solo and unaided from La Restinga in the Canary Islands to Antigua. After a grueling journey and over 100 days of loneliness, pain, a broken rudder, water leak and to top it all, his boat capsizing a few days ago, Bhavik is knocking on the doorstep of realizing a lifelong dream.
During this incredulous journey, Bhavik has faced a plethora of harsh and nerve wracking experiences which only strengthened his resolve to push towards the world record. A few days ago, when he was only 200 kms from reaching the end of this tumultuous journey, Bhavik’s boat ‘Miss Olive’ capsized. However, after having managed to right the boat Bhavik resumed his journey, rowing with a spare oar and now is just hours away from reaching his final destination, English Harbour, Antigua
Having faced and gone through what Bhavik has in the last 100 days would have caused most people to throw in the towel and call in the rescue team which is on standby 24 hours of the day. However, Bhavik was determined to finish what he started and after his boat capsized, he sent out an SMS on June 7, 2007 to his support team that read “Don’t want rescue. Will try to manage. No elect. Radio reflector and vhf not working. Backup oar. In touch with Falmouth Coastguard. Will hit emergency if necessary. Will try and manage”
During the last 105 days, while at sea, Bhavik has pushed his physical and mental faculties far beyond human imaginable limits. ‘Miss Olive’, his trusty rowing boat was made to face numerous tests and held her own against the gigantic and powerful waves of the sometimes merciless Atlantic Ocean.
Bhavik is now the first Asian to row solo across the Atlantic and only the 33rd person to ever row solo across any ocean. The Ocean Rowing Society would certify the World Records. Following the famous route Christopher Columbus took, Bhavik intended completing his journey in 90 days however due to the unexpected problems that he faced, it has taken him a little longer than anticipated. Bhavik upon reaching Antigua has not only achieved a lifelong dream but has made all us Indians proud.
2007-06-14 18:01:07
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