Mar 13, 2018

Colin Sanders was greeted by ship horns and a hero’s welcome when his boat entered Antigua’s English Harbour yesterday evening after rowing across the Atlantic Ocean for 83 days. 

The resident of Port Hope, Ontario began his journey called A Million Possibilities: Solo Ocean Row 2017 from the Canary Islands’ Puerto de Mogán on December 12th, 2017. Over that time, Sanders endured a capsizing, difficulties with his equipment, and food poisoning, all while rowing the ocean by himself.

“No one is happier to have made it across the ocean than I,” said Sanders, as well-wishers looked on.

“I’m not a spring chicken. I’m 64, so the day-to-day grind of rowing across the Atlantic was probably the toughest challenge for me.”

A Million Possibilities: Solo Ocean Row was also an awareness and fundraising campaign for Community Living Ontario and its member organizations, who raised a combined $145,500. The organizations assist people who have an intellectual disability and their families. Sanders’ adult son, Jeff, is supported by Community Living Campbellford/Brighton in Cobourg, Ontario.

“More people have been to space than have rowed across the Atlantic Ocean by themselves. Colin’s adventure illustrates that we can all achieve great things with adequate preparation, the proper support and sheer determination,” said Ron Laroche, Director of Communications, Marketing and Fund Development for Community Living Ontario.

John Beeden was also on hand for Sanders’ arrival. Beeden, who has crossed the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans on his own, sold the ocean row boat to Sanders.

Sanders has been chronicling his journey with regular blog posts, which are available by visiting www.soloatlanticrow2017.com.