Michelle Lee and RV Australian Maid back in her hometown after rowing across the Pacific in 240 days!
What: Michelle Lee solo rower, rows into the Australian National Maritime Museum
When: Wednesday, July 26
Time: 1pm
From August 8, 2022 until April 5, 2023 Michelle Lee rowed.
She rowed for 240 days.
She rowed 14,000 kilometres from Mexico to Port Douglas.
She crossed the paths of five hurricanes and four cyclones in her 8 metre carbon fibre boat RV Australian Maid.
And she did it alone – with just a satellite phone and whatever marine life she encountered.
In doing so, she became the first woman to row solo across the Pacific unassisted and without stopping.
Editors please note: Michelle has provided some previously unseen images and video of her Pacific Journey – Michelle Lee Pacific Row
She adds this to her 2017 World Record 1 million metre rowing challenge (five days, 21 hours and 34 minutes) and her 2018 record of being Australia’s first woman to row any ocean solo (the Atlantic – 4,700 kms)
On Wednesday, July 26 the 2019 Australian Geographic ‘Adventurer of the Year’ will row into the Australian National Maritime Museum in Pyrmont to be welcomed into her hometown.
“The last months have been about recovery,” said Michelle. “It was the most intense physical challenge I ever set myself. I had planned to arrive in Sydney, but the hurricanes and cyclones blew me north.
“It’s been nice to be recovering quietly at home in Norwest.”
Museum CEO and Director Ms Daryl Karp said, “Michelle is extraordinary. She is an amazing, quiet Australian achiever. What she has accomplished in her unassuming fashion is remarkable. We love to tell the stories of Australian maritime legends and Michelle is one of them.”
Michelle was a regular sight on Sydney Harbour in 2019 and 2020 as she trained for the challenge using the Maritime Museum as a base before COVID delayed her plans.
Michelle has an impressive history of athletic achievements - she has trekked the Kokoda track, climbed the Himalayas and completed extreme triathlons and long-distance road races.
She has a simple adage, “Start thinking you can, and you will."
About RV Australian Maid:
Make: Woodvale-designed ocean rowing vessel
Size: 7.7m
Material: Carbon fibre
Hull: Self-righting hull
For more information, please contact:
Steve Riethoff
m: 0417047837
e: steve.riethoff@sea.museum
