The ‘Atlantic Dutchesses’ docked in Antigua on Sunday
Translated by Thomas Ansell
As reported by the Omrop Fryslân, a group of four female Dutch rowers arrived on the other side of the Atlantic over the weekend, having left the Canary Islands around 40 days ago.
The team was formed of three women from Friesland: Iris Noordzij (Raerd, Gem. Súdwest-Fryslân), Melissa Vooren (Goingarijp, Gem. De Friese Meren), and Renate de Backere (Pingjum, Gem. Súdwest-Fryslân). The fourth team member, Marieke le Duc-Bouwense, is from Zeeland. Team ‘Atlantic Dutchesses’ rowed the Atlantic as part of the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, and had aimed to raise around 10,000 euros for research into cardiovascular disease. In the end they raised more than 20,000 euros, and with their fundraising page open for another three months, the total could rise even higher.
After 40 days rowing across the ocean, the rowers are happy to be on land again: “we’re still a bit ‘wobbly’, and a bit struck that its over. But we’re doing well! We’re all healthy, we are all walking and eating.”
The team finished first in their category: “we really wanted to win, and took part with that aim. It was absolutely about more than just participation.”
