Drama in the Atlantic race: Rudder Gabi washes it off board!

She sees the monster wave coming. With a scream she lets go of the oars and tries to cling to the railing on the left and right. But the ocean is stronger. The boat capsizes. Our Atlantic rower Gabi Schenkel (42) washes it off board.

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But then the girl from Zurich appears at the edge of the boat, she can pull herself back into the boat. Wet and shocked – but alive.

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These are impressive pictures that we received via social media from Schenkels “The Swiss 1s” boat reach. Gabi is the only woman in the solo class at the crazy Atlantic Challenge, the toughest rowing race in the world. A month ago she started with 34 other boats in the Canary Islands for the crazy 4723 km crossing of the Atlantic. She is still in the race in front of a solo man and a women duo.

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When the monster wave catches her, Gabi is alone 1800 km from the start port and about 3200 km from the destination in the Caribbean.

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Chain or die

Going overboard out there and not making it into the boat would be certain death. The race management accompanies the fleet with yachts. But even in an emergency, it can take several days for rescuers to arrive.

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That is why all Challenge rowers “chain” themselves to the boat as life insurance with a rope and carabiner. Gabi said before the start: «I will always hook myself up. Even in the cabin when I’m sleeping. »

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Depending on the activity on the boat, the brave Atlantic rower can choose different rope lengths. After the shock, she reports: «Fortunately, I was secured with the short line and therefore quickly made it back on board. I’m okay, but wet and shaken. I’ll be back the next day. Now I have to collect myself again. »

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In doing so, Schenkel states: When the boat capsizes, an oar is broken. The second in the race. Now she has no replacement rudder before the halftime of the race!

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The winning team will probably finish on Tuesday

Gabi’s currently predicted arrival is March 3rd. Of course, the men’s four are faster: A British quartet leads clearly and is expected to win in Antigua next Tuesday. Our women’s four-seater “Swiss Ocean Dancers” is in 18th place – Florian Ramp from Zurich, who after the Evacuation of colleague Dominic Schaub due to seasickness rowed alone, still holds 5th place in the field of seven duo boats.

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