Zara Lachlan, daughter of Motor Spirit’s Guy and Claire, has entered the record books as the first female to row solo, unsupported and non-stop from Europe to mainland South America and the youngest person to ever complete the epic journey.
In fact, only one other person in history has done so before.
The assault began in Lagos, on the southern tip of Portugal, and comprised 4100 lonely miles to French Guiana, which borders northern Brazil. It took Zara 96 days, nine hours and 29 minutes, including a gruelling stint around the Canaries when progress slowed to 11 miles in 21 hours due to the conditions.
“It’s in those moments you find out what you’re really made of,” Zara said. “In many ways I didn’t really have a choice – I just had to grit my teeth and row.
“[But,] From Orca and Dolphins to the breathtaking sunrises and crystal-clear night sky, there were moments where I just had to pinch myself.
“Most of the experiences were firsts for me as I’m new to ocean rowing and haven’t really spent any time on the ocean before. The first time I ever saw a fish in the ocean was on day six of my expedition. Then on day seven I was visited by Orca. Later on, I even got hit by a flying fish.
"I’ve made memories that I will cherish and that will stay with me for life.”
The 21-year-old undertook the mammoth row in aid of Women in Sport and Team Forces, whose CEO Major General Lamont Kirkland labelled it: “A feat of incredible strength, resilience, and determination.”
“Zara’s success is a testament to the power of human potential and the spirit of adventure we strive to foster at Team Forces,” he added. “We are exceptionally proud to have enabled Zara’s expedition with the support of our sponsors. Zara’s groundbreaking journey serves as an inspiration to us all, demonstrating that with passion and commitment, anything is possible.”
More than £7000 has been raised by the expedition via her Crowdfunder page.