French rower claims record for solo Pacific crossing after grueling feat

0 Comments | AFP, November, 2005

COOS BAY, United States (AFP) — French oarsman Emmanuel Coindre reached dry land for the first time in four months after rowing 11,000 kilometers (6,875 miles) across the Pacific Ocean from Japan to the US West Coast.

Following the grueling feat of human endurance, the 32-year-old is claiming the record for the fastest solo rowboat crossing of the Pacific by beating the only other person to achieve the treacherous voyage by five days.

"For me it's a big day. I have done my best every day. It was a challenge and for me I love to be the best," the tanned but very healthy-looking Coindre said after coming ashore in the Oregon town of Coos Bay.

Coindre rowed alone from the Japanese port of Choshi into US territorial waters off the northwestern state of Oregon in...