The Person

22 year old Katie Spotz is all set to embark on an adventure of a lifetime – a solo row across the Atlantic Ocean!

After 2,500 miles and 70-100 days alone at sea, she will become the youngest person ever to row an ocean solo and the first American to row from Africa to South America.

But this row is about more than ocean adventure, world records and personal challenges. It’s about something much more important: safe drinking water.

She has partnered with the Blue Planet Run Foundation, a San Francisco based non-profit that funds sustainable safe drinking water projects all over the world.

The Boat.

A specialized ocean rowing boat will be Katie’s new home for the duration of the trip. The boat was constructed by Rhode Island boat builders Aquidneck Custom from a design by Phil Morrison, an accomplished rowboat designer. These seaworthy boats are self-righting and have braved 30 ft waves and hurricanes. A sealed cabin will provide enough space to sleep and to take cover during storms.

The 19 ft vessel has enough shelter for one and can hold several months of provisions. Hatches line the deck providing storage for 70-100 days worth of food and gear. Freshwater tanks are used for ballast and can also be used as an emergency water supply. Solar panels mounted to the boat will power all electronics including the desalinator, satellite phone, VHF radio, and the radar enhancer.

You can catch up on her and follow her progress here.

Acknowledgment: RowforWater.com, Photo credits – David Andersen with The Plain Dealer and Lucian Bartosik