Royal Holloway - Press Release

Record Atlantic Crossing

Bhavik Gandhi, a former student of Royal Holloway, University of London has rowed single-handed and unassisted across the Atlantic. He became the first Indian to ever complete a solo ocean crossing. Bhavik was at sea for 106 days and landed in Antigua at 5.45pm on 14 June, after rowing a record distance of 6396 kms (3456 nautical miles).
He began his epic journey in La Restinga, Canary Islands after months of arduous physical and mental preparation. During the crossing he struggled against gale force winds, 40 ft waves, severe sleep deprivation and mental fatigue; on 6 June he came close to defeat after his boat, ′Miss Olive′, capsized.
Bhavik navigated using Global Positioning System (GPS) technology and more traditional charts and compasses, regularly updating his progress on-line. Nearing the end of the crossing he ran out of solid food and was reduced to a liquid diet, “I tell you after 95 days on freeze dried meals, I could eat sweets while they are still in their wrappers and still find them tasty,” he said.
He studied a BSc in Management and Information Systems at the College, graduating in 1999. He is the founder and principal partner at the Development Venture Capital Group, a venture capital fund specializing in micro venture capital for social entrepreneurs in developing countries.
For further information about Bhavik’s achievement visit: http://www.bhavik.com/crossatlantic/index.htm

Royal Holloway - Press Release