It's an achievement. South African Gerhard Moolman rowed across the Atlantic in 38 days. Departing from Cape Verde, he docked at the Dégrad-des-Cannes marina this Monday, January 7, after having covered 4,000 kilometers on his boat, alone, without assistance.
Cries of joy and the gesture of victory. Arriving at the Dégrad-des-Cannes marina, Gerhard Moolman jumped into the water and savored the moment. This Monday, January 7, he docked in Guyana after rowing across the Atlantic in 38 days.
Watch the report from Guyane La 1ère:
Setting out from Cape Verde, he traveled 4,000 kilometers on his boat, alone and without assistance. When he sets foot on the ground, he becomes aware of the feat.
It was incredible ! Everyone said that getting there would be a miracle, and I wanted to achieve it. Well I found the miracle, right in the middle of the Atlantic !
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©Laura Philippon
Gerhard Moolman left Cape Verde on 1is last December. To reach Guyana, he rowed 7 to 8 hours a day, drifting with the winds and currents. Determined, he hoped to reach Guyana in less than 45 days. His bet paid off.
“Guyana is so beautiful, of course I wanted to come, he laughs. But the truth is that the winds and currents guided me there. But it’s great here, we had to come and see it.”
On his ten-metre boat, Gerhard Moolman managed to survive on the open sea thanks to solar panels, a water desalination system, a bunk bed for the night and freeze-dried meals. “We have this dried food, he presents. We boil water and in five minutes it’s ready and we have a meal.”
Seasoned adventurer, Gerhard Moolman already has a Guinesse world record to his credit. In 2022, he had traveled 6,000 km between South Africa and Kenya.
With this new challenge, he pushed his limits for a good cause. He wants to collect 10,000 euros in donations to help abandoned children in South Africa.
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©Laura Philippon
This time, he completed his first Atlantic crossing under the proud gaze of his brother, Chris. Accustomed to following his brother's follies, he came all the way to Guyana to welcome him. “When he was little, he was crazy, now he's really crazy but we love him, he exclaims. We love him, he’s adorable.”
Finally reunited, the two brothers will spend a few days in Guyana, time to organize the transport of the boat to South Africa. They will then leave together and by plane. Asked about his next adventure, Gerhard Moolman did not answer. One thing is certain, he wants each of “his challenges contribute to the future of his country”.
