Mendois Dominique Meynadier rows 4,800 km across the Atlantic alone

Dominique Meynadier s'est préparé pendant deux ans pour cet énorme défi. DR – DR

Parti le 13 décembre d'Espagne, il devrait arriver début février aux Canaries, dans le cadre du Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge.

Sportif accompli, Dominique Meynadier a relevé le défi de traverser l’océan Atlantique en bateau à rames.

Born in Mende, Dominique Meynadier had to settle in Martigues (Bouches-du-Rhône) for his family and his work, but he regularly returns to his house in Mas-d’Orcières, on the slopes of Mont Lozere. It was the brother of Thierry Meynadier, well known on the Place de Mende, who surprised him by joining him in Spain for the start of the race.

Passionate about ultra-endurance

"Passionate about sport, I intensively practice ultra-endurance activities, such as ultra trail, l’ ultracycling and mountain biking. I have completed the Diagonale des fous in Reunion, several Ultra Trails of Mont Blanc, the Tor des Géants and other Annapurna Mandala Trail."

So here he is who decides to take the plunge! "Even though the ocean is not my favorite field, I was able, at a modest level, to participate in regattas and sail windsurfing. Sliding sports, such as surfing and downhill skiing, can also make sense with the challenge of paddling, believes Dominique Meynadier.

Dominique Meynadier on his boat Aim of the Ocean. DR – DR

With these experiences, he signed up for the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge race which takes rowers from San Sebastián to La Gomera, in Spain, to the Canary Islands, more of 4,800 km.

The only one to do it alone

Around forty boats participate, with crews of one to five rowers. Dominique Meynadier is the only one to do it alone, and the only Frenchman. Departing on December 13, 2023, alone aboard his small boat, he completed a little more than half the journey. Depending on conditions, he rows 100 to 200 km per day and could arrive in early February 2024.

The emphasis is on safety and ecology. Bags of food are counted at departure and arrival, to ensure that no waste has been thrown into the ocean.

Dominique Meynadier has been preparing physically and mentally for two years. He built his boat, named Aim for the Ocean and improved his English and Spanish. His family and friends support him morally, especially Jeannine, his mother.

To follow Dominique Meynadier’s progress: www.aimfortheocean.com
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