Reflections of Ananya Prasad on her epic journey across the Atlantic ocean

In February, after 52 days, 5 hours and 44 minutes, Ananya Prasad crossed the finish line of the ‘World’s Toughest Row’ challenge, the 3000-mile journey across the Atlantic Ocean from San Sebastian de la Gomera, in the Canary Islands, to Nelson’s Dockyard on the Caribbean Island of Antigua. She has made history by becoming only the 23rd woman to row across the Atlantic ocean, and the only woman of colour to have done this solo.

Now back on dry land, Ananya has had time to reflect on her epic journey

Now back on dry land, Ananya has had time to reflect on her epic journey. She had prepared for many months before her departure but was she apprehensive when setting off? She told us: “Naturally you start comparing yourself to other rowers in terms of skills and preparation and this can be counterproductive and definitely enhanced the nervousness and self-doubt. The race was also brought forward a day due to difficult weather conditions, so we knew it was going to be a rough start to the race, which made it all the more nerve-racking. The minute I set off, however, you stop stressing about the small things and focus on the task at hand and it was a huge relief.”

The difficult weather conditions varied from day to day and sometimes hour to hour. On some days she experienced dead calm and flat seas while on others, waves the size of buildings which her boat Odyssey would just ride over. Her daily routine would change accordingly, but generally she rowed on average ten to twelve hours a day.  A remarkable feat of strength and determination.

 Photo © Ananya Prasad

There was little in the way of luxuries or entertainment on board Odyssey. The solar panels powered a desalination unit that converted sea water into drinking water which was then used to rehydrate a large variety of meal packets including macaroni cheese, pasta, hot pots stews and porridges. There were also many sweet snacks to eat. Ananya had to consume 4000 calories a day to replenish her energy levels. The internet was very basic and could not download things effectively. Fortunately, Ananya had downloaded beforehand a huge range of music from Spotify and also had various podcasts and audiobooks to listen to.

Ananya had a satellite phone with which she could access WhatsApp to speak to family and friends. There was also a lot of communication back and forth with the safety team and social media manager and weather router so she “didn’t find it hard to be being physically alone as I never felt mentally alone.”

According to Ananya, she saw amazing natural sights. “The night sky was amazing to see with no light pollution, you could make out the Milky Way band and on clear nights it would stretch horizon to horizon. There was also bioluminescence when the water was disturbed by the oars, which look like stars in the water, and along with the night sky made it look like you are surrounded by stars.”

The journey was not without incident or danger.

The journey was not without incident or danger. As Ananya put it, “Ocean rowing is of course inherently dangerous and can be quite frightening during unsettled weather. I had many mishaps enroute, many things broke, including two oars and various things on board, big and small. The rudder also broke off just 500 miles from shore, which required me to go into the water in very choppy conditions to replace. I also have a bit of a fear of deep water, so going in the water to clean the underside of the boat of barnacles was quite frightening, even though it’s fairly safe and done in calm conditions.” At no point, however, did Ananya consider giving up even though there were many tough days.

She was not without company enroute though, which may have helped her determination to carry on regardless. “I saw an orca and a whale during the row, but very briefly, and I had a storm petrel bird follow me across the Atlantic for over 40 days, that I would see every single day, which was very comforting.”

At the end of any long journey, especially as unique as this one, you experience a mixture of emotions. This was Ananya’s thoughts on this: “It was an incredibly strange feeling to see land and signs of civilization like buildings, because I had not seen another human being for over 50 days at that point. It doesn’t really sink in that you’ve done this until quite after you arrive onto land.”

“There was also a bit of sadness with the adventure coming to an end, especially as you spend over 3 years preparing and thinking about doing this. As difficult as it was, I really enjoyed being on the ocean and experiencing a totally different environment and it was such a unique experience. I was a little sad for it to have come to an end.”

“Coming onto land, however, was a hugely exhilarating feeling, especially seeing family and friends and so many people at the finish line. And of course, the excitement of having things I’d missed on the row, such as fresh food, a shower and a bed.”

Her wishes were granted when, on arrival, Ananya was treated to a meal of a burger and fries and a large container of freshly cut watermelon and a cold coco cola.

you learn about yourself and how you’ll deal with certain things like fear and isolation

Now back home in Britain what is her advice to others considering such an enormous challenge of physical and mental strength? She said, “One of the things that attracted me to the row was what you learn about yourself and how you’ll deal with certain things like fear and isolation, so I learnt a lot about myself. It also gives you a lot of self-confidence doing something like this, but also perspectives into what is important for you and in your own life.” She added: “I’m in no rush to jump into another challenge, but I’d love to do another row but, in a team, rather than alone.”

We salute her extraordinary achievement and wish her luck with her next challenge in life!