PEGGY BOUCHET
1st woman who dared to row across the Atlantic
1999: A New Start
Photo credits: Jean-Marc Lecerf
Photo credits: Franck Faugère (DPPI)
Daring to start again
6 months after my unfinished victory, I decided to cross the Atlantic again. For me, it’s crucial to finish what I’ve started. Such a decision may seem sheer madness: to start all over again for a few unfortunate 130 kilometers! These few kilometers are the hardest, but also the best, that separate me from my finish line.
Deep down, I knew that if I gave in, I’d have to live with the feeling that I’d almost succeeded. This carefully considered decision requires unfailing motivation. Under no circumstances can it be the fruit of defiance or spite. In absolute terms, I’m confident in myself, because I’ve proved that I’m capable of crossing the Atlantic.
Photo credits: Franck Faugère (DPPI)
Getting ready
For many months, I programmed myself like a machine to row 4200 kilometers and cross the finish line, banishing my doubts from my mind, living with my fears, the fear of failure, of death… I’ve been preparing for this new start with my team for a year. We’re learning from past experience and working on the modifications to be made to the boat. Thanks to the intervention of the French Navy, I was able to salvage my boat from the Puerto Rican coast.
Departure
November 18, 1999, it’s 12pm GMT when I leave the island of Sao Vicente. In two months’ time, I’ll be back on land. For the moment, like a countdown, each rowing stroke brings me closer to the West Indies. I can’t wait. A quick glance at my GPS tells me that I’ve only got 4,200 kilometers to go…
Photo credits: Franck Faugère (DPPI)
Back to the front
On my first crossing, I set off with rage in my belly, galvanized by a thirst for the unknown and adventure. Today, I know exactly what awaits me: I know all about the risks, the pain, the moments of discouragement, the effort and the fears involved in such a journey. The memories of my shipwreck, like a scar, remind me of the danger of the sea. I set out again better prepared, even more determined and above all focused on a single goal: the finish line in Martinique. I know that this crossing is a constant battle: I have to fight against doubt, stay on course, sweep away the desire to give up, face the violence of the sea…
PEGGY BOUCHET
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1ère femme à avoir osé traverser l’Atlantique à la rame