luxury locations issue 21

girls in conflict with the law resonated with us the most. “Girls in conflict with the law have no space designated for them. These are girls who may be before the courts for fighting, wounding, theft, prostitution, you name it. “They are underage, and don’t necessarily have people lining up to associate with them or support them. While they are waiting for a determination to be made on their legal matters, they are sent to group homes or the prison, and this worsens the problem for all involved. “Having a purpose-built home is but a start in treating these girls like the vulnerable members of society that they are.” How important is winning the challenge to you? Are you aiming to break records again or is it more about the journey? “We are competitive. So, yes, we would love to win the entire challenge or our class, and we are training to have a competitive row. But we want to enjoy the journey, especially now having had some experience, albeit in a different ocean.

“I think while it’s not unlikely that we will go on another adventure, it’s highly unlikely that we will have another crossing—at least not as a team, so we plan on enjoying this one.” What’s the most useful advice you’ve been given from your mentors? “Our coach, Mark Slats [previous Atlantic row world record-holder], keeps advising us that, when we’re at sea, we must look for the opportunity where there seems to be none. We have that drilled into us that, regardless of the conditions or the situation, we must find a way to advance our cause.” Do you have a personal mantra you keep in mind while rowing? “Keep rowing! Essentially, regardless of what happens, we will not quit.” Physical fitness is obviously crucial but so is tenacity. How do those factors play out in reality? “We need to be fit—with the most attention to core strength. But physical fitness alone

won’t get us through those 2,800 nautical miles. This requires mental toughness, and, yes, tenacity. “Physical fitness is what will drive us to row effectively, with longevity and the right stroke patterns. The mental toughness is what will ensure that we don’t fall to emotional pieces out there when the challenges come. Tenacity—knowing that we want to row ‘Dadli Gyal’, flying the Antigua and Barbuda flag into Hanalei Bay—is the thread that will hold it all together.” How would you describe yourself in three adjectives? Kevinia: “Competitive, driven, bold.” Samara: “Determined, outspoken, brave.” Elvira: “Resilient, easy-going, perceptive.” Christal: “Inquisitive, complex, daring.” What are your plans for after the Pacific challenge? “We haven’t distilled those plans yet, but, as a unit, we’re looking forward to chronicling our story.” n As told to Gemma Handy

Photo by KO Photography

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