Three French women paddle across Atlantic
August 13, 2009
Using only body power, trio of Frenchwomen hope to make history with ocean crossing
Three female surf lifesaving champions from France, Stephanie Geyer-Barneix, 34, Alexandra Lux, 23, and Flora Manciet, 25, set off from Capbredon in southwest France, near Bordeaux on July 5, in an attempt to traverse the Atlantic. They are using only the boards they use in their lifesaving duties, with their arms as propellers. The crossing is a relay, with a boat accompanying the women carrying supplies and communication equipment.
With each woman paddling for two hours, four times a day since they left, on August 5th, a month into their journey, they were halfway to their destination, sister city Cape Breton in Canada. The voyage, which the women have dubbed “Cap Odyssey” carries no prize except that of personal accomplishment. The challenge has been two years in the planning, and that is only the beginning. The women risk danger from exposure, rough seas, sharks, boat traffic and simply getting lost at sea in the dark. The catamaran that is accompanying them must reduce its speed to and almost impossible snail’s pace to stay abreat of the paddlers, who can cover only about 60 miles in 24 hours.
With nowhere to store any gear, the women are equipped with the bare minimum, including dry-suits, an electronic beacon and an emergency flare. The three women have gathered an extensive team, including medical researchers, logistics and aquatics security experts. The onboard crew of five includes an osteopath who will study the physical effects of the journey. Before the race, the women trained with a psychological counselor to prepare themselves mentally to weather the long and arduous journey.
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