Solo Atlantic Rower to Spend Christmas at Sea

Ananya Prasad, 34, the first woman of colour to undertake a solo row across the Atlantic, will observe Christmas Day while at sea. She noted that she has prepared mince pies and mulled wine to commemorate the holiday. Ms. Prasad commenced her journey from La Gomera in the Canary Islands a fortnight ago and anticipates approximately two more months until her arrival in Antigua. Ms. Prasad is fundraising for the Mental Health Foundation and an orphanage located in India. Additionally, she stated her aim is to enhance diversity within adventure sports and the field of rowing. Speaking to the BBC, Ms. Prasad, who hails from Sheffield, remarked: “This will be one of the most unique Christmases and New Years I’ll ever have.” Undertaking the World’s Toughest Row challenge solo, she mentioned that fewer than 25 women have completed a solo ocean row. While she characterized the solitude as “unsettling,” she maintains communication with friends and family through Whatsapp messages. She commented: “This will be my first Christmas on my own so it will be a bit hard hard but I’m choosing to do this.” She added: “But I’ve got lots of letters and small presents and Christmas cards and I’ve taken a lot of Christmas playlists. “I also have mince pies and some mulled wine.” Ms. Prasad reported that the weather conditions have been “quite stormy and rough” since her departure, but she anticipates an improvement in the coming weeks. Her training for the 3,000-mile journey commenced four years prior. Ms. Prasad stated: “I never came from a nautical or sailing or rowing background so it’s something I have had to learn.” She is navigating a custom-built 25ft ocean rowing boat, requiring her to possess comprehensive knowledge of her vessel. Born in Bengaluru, India, Ms. Prasad relocated to the UK with her family at the age of five and has consistently held a strong interest in exercise, outdoor activities, and adventure. She further commented: “It’s a privilege to choose your purpose and choosing to have this experience and that keeps me going during the bad days.” Her support for the Mental Health Foundation stems from her personal challenges and her belief that mental health is “ridiculously and unnecessarily stigmatised.” The second charity she selected, her uncle’s orphanage and school, is named the Deenabandhu Trust, where she has volunteered during family visits. While other women of colour have completed this journey as part of a crew, Ms. Prasad’s aspiration to be the first to do so solo is intended to signify a transformation in the sport. She concluded: “I hope to add some more form of diversity to the outdoors and encourage others from different backgrounds to do different things.”