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Kelsey Pfendler Sets Speed Record Rowing Solo From Monterey to Hawaii

Ocean Rowing Society International has provisionally logged her finish and a formal verification for a Guinness World Record is still pending.

Overview

  • Pfendler completed the roughly 2,400-mile solo crossing in her 21-foot boat Lily in an official time of 43 days, 17 hours, 55 minutes and 59 seconds, finishing on Friday, July 3.
  • Ocean Rowing Society International posted a preliminary finish listing saying she beat prior men’s and women’s speed marks, but ORSI and Guinness have not completed formal adjudication.
  • She began the voyage from Monterey on May 21 and faced strong currents and choke points such as the Molokai Channel while documenting the trip with regular social media videos.
  • Pfendler was greeted by hundreds in Ala Wai Harbor, described feeling overwhelmed by the reception, and has scheduled a meet-and-greet with proceeds and donations planned for youth sailing programs.
  • Her time shatters the previous men's route benchmark of about 52 days and the prior women's mark of 86 days, a result that could raise the profile of ocean rowing and boost fundraising for outdoor youth programs.